Online discourse certainly has a way of taking a word from the lexicon and devaluing its meaning through ad nauseam and misinterpretation. While “woke” was co-opted as a critique of some media for delivering sub-par content trying to get by on optics tied to social issues, it soon became an insult hurled at everything and anything that did not fit nicely into a singular box created through the claimant’s closed-mindedness. Yes, some films certainly attempt to put messaging before storytelling in a way that offers up a watered-down final product, butthe way “woke” has been thrown around has resulted in a lot of shallow online discourse around film.
Woke, which essentially means containing progressive values, has been a core to cinema for a very long time, and in the past, people would not write off movies on premise alone, instead generally choosing to still dive in and give them a chance. These 8 movies exemplify how the term “woke” has been misused, with all of these championed on their release and not written off based on baseless prepositions.
8’Erin Brockovich' (2000)
A dramatization based on the true story of the woman of the same name,Erin Brockovichstars Julia Roberts as an unemployed single mother who tackles a big corporation through the legal system after she learns of water contamination in her small California town. Presenting a grassroots movement, with Brockovich canvassing and earning the trust of her community to get over 300 plaintiffs in the case, the trial marked a monumental achievement of a small town winning over an economic powerhouse. Besidesgiving Julia Roberts one of the best roles of her careerand landing her an Academy Award for Best Actress, Erin Brockovich was a box office smash.
One Woman Beating the Odds
While now considered a classic and one of the defining Hollywood films of the 2000s, Erin Brockovich would have landed with the label of woke with some modern audiences. Its environmental undertones are a bit of a stretch, seeming as though we are talking about literal poisoning of people, but the major issue would be Brockovich herself. A single mother outside the law system, using it to overcome the odds, would have the chuds coming out to say “woke” before knowing a single other thing about the movie; “based on a true story” is never enough to beat the label for those quick to use it.
7’Orlando' (1992)
A historical fantasy,Orlandofollows the titular noble, played by Tilda Swinton, over multiple centuries. Starting in the 1600s when Orlando was given riches by Queen Elizabeth I under the condition “do not fade, do not wither, do not grow old,” to the modern day, looking to write a memoir of her life. Through the centuries, Orlando suffers heartbreak, learns life lessons, and plays both the role of man and woman as they try to discover themselves as time moves around them.
An Exploration of Gender Roles Throughout the Centuries
Based on the novel by Virginia Wolf, published in 1928,Orlandowas a surprise success in its niche market,transcending its perceived limited appeal in approaching gender identity by delivering a thought-provoking storybacked by a career-defining, and making, performance from Tilda Swinton. Of course, under the label of woke, many would not have even approached the film on the mere concept of its exploration of gender fluidity.
6’Boys Don’t Cry' (1999)
Boys Don’t Crywould only really upset the most transphobic among viewers, but that is a sad reality within a vocal minority.Based on the real life storyand murder of a transgender man, Brandon Teena, who lived in rural Nebraska.The movie highlighted the struggles surroundng social acceptance within the trans community. The movie was a critical success, and a modest box-office hit, yet it is Hilary Swank’s Academy Award for Best Actress in her role as Brandon that has cemented the film’s legacy.
A Groundbreaking Exploration of the Challenges Faced by the Trans Community
The film delivers an important message of understanding while showing the heinous crimes committed against Brandon for wanting to just find acceptance. Even with the social importance of Brandon’s story and the movie, the mere mention of trans characters is, sadly, a quick way many people tune out and write off something as woke.
5’One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest' (1975)
After feigning mental illness to be moved from prison to a care facility, Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) soon finds himself facing a whole different set of issues as he comes up against an apprehensive staff member and an unexpected regimen of rules. A box-office smash, multiple award-winner and oftenconsidered among the best films ever made,One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nestmay be the most beloved film on this list that was never met with labels comparable to ‘woke’ hindering its success.
Challenging the Establishment
Sympathy for the marginalized and the challenges of age-old institutions would be enough to summon the cringe response of many ifOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was made today, including having an indigenous character as the narrator of the film. Yet at the same time, the movie also does show other elements in the positive of progressiveness. As beloved as the film is, its outdated perception of the character Nurse Ratched and general treatment towards women is one of the glaring elements that is outdated by anyone’s standards when looking at the film under modern sensibilities.
4’Free Willy' (1993)
12-year-old orphan Jesse finds an unlikely best friend in an Orca named Willy at a failing water park. The two establish a remarkable bond, with both seemingly connected through a troubled past. So, when a plot is hatched by the owners to kill Willy to collect insurance money, Jesse launches into action and formulates a plan to release Willy back into the ocean. The movie was a box-office smash, and while it did not win any awards, it became integrated into the pop-culture landscape and still resonates with viewers to this day.
Environmentalist Undertones Wrapped in a Heartwarming Story
It is humorous to imagine how many kids who cried atFree Willywould grow up to despise any movies that pushed “woke” agendas like climate change.Free Willydid introduce a plethora of young children to the importance of respecting the environment, and also brought into question the treatment of animals in captivity; a net positive for humanity. Yet, in the modern context, those jaded would see it as nothing but pandering to environmentalist concerns.
3’Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore' (1974)
Alice Hyatt, played by Ellen Burstyn, decides to pursue her dream of being a professional singer after the lives of her and her son are upended by the death of her husband. Alice travels from location to location, including dealing with an abusive relationship, before finding her way to a man whose willingness to embrace her past allows her to pursue her dream. A box office success,Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymorewould also land Ellen Burstyn an Academy Award for Best Actress.
One Woman’s Remarkable Journey Against the Odds
Yes, sadly, the term woke will be quickly attached to cases of women finding agency and independence, which are at the core of the phenomenal story of Alice Hyatt. A story from a woman’s perspective, with themes of friendship between women helping through troubled times, would only further sour the jaded; this is before even touching on the film’s exploration of social and financial inequality between the sexes. There is a lot to get caught up here by those looking to hate a film, yetAlice Doesn’t Live Here Anymoreremains revered and brilliantly progressive for its time.
2’Whale Rider' (2002)
Whale Riderfollows a young Maori girl, Pai, who finds herself in a unique situation in her home village on the coast of New Zealand. Having survived her twin brother, and poised to become the chieftain of the village. Yet, her grandfather looks for a male heir, despite Pai’s strong connection with the ocean and her heritage, making her an ideal replacement. Through struggles, Pai begins to slowly prove herself. The movie would be a notable box office success for the indie film and was met with critical acclaim on release.
A Young Woman Rises to An Honorable Role Through Determination and Passion
DespiteWhale Rider’snuanced take on indigenous culture and struggles framed around the story of Pai,the mere empowerment of a young girl in a patriarchal society would be enough to have some scoffing. Yet, at its release, the film was well-received and considereda poignant coming-of-age storywith a unique setting steeped in indigenous culture.
1’Thelma & Louise' (1991)
Even if you have not seen the ending ofThelma & Louisefor yourself, chances are you know what it is and have a clear vision of it due to the many parodies and homages. Often consideredthe ultimate tale of women’s friendship, the movie follows disenfranchised housewife Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davis) and her best friend, the headstrong waitress Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon), as they embark on an unforgettable journey as outlaws after a string of events.
An Endearing Tale of Friendship
Often considered a direct confrontation of sexism,Thelma & Louisefound a willing audience from every walk of life that embraced the movie’s poignant exploration of underexplored issues facing the modern woman. Taking both characters outside the roles of supporting characters that they normally would be if leaning into common tropes and making them into heroes, was an inspiring move that has made the movie revered and cherished to this day. Yet, among those who despite any such stories, a remake ofThelma & Louisetoday, even if shot for shot, would catch the woke label, despite its iconic and revered status on release in the ’90s.
Thelma & Louise
