Movies About Female Entrepreneurs

From Robert Wise, starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn
Rated G

The Sound of Music is a 1965 musical drama film based on the 1959 stage musical of the same name, composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The film stars Julie Andrews as Maria, a young Austrian woman who leaves an Austrian convent to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval officer, Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). As she teaches the children music and brings them closer together, Maria and the Captain eventually fall in love and get married. However, when the Nazis invade Austria, the von Trapps must escape to Switzerland or be sent to a concentration camp. Along the way, they must rely on their courage, faith, and love to make it to freedom. The Sound of Music is an inspiring story of hope and courage in the face of adversity.

From Asif Kapadia, starring Amy Winehouse, Mitch Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Russell Brand
Rated R

"Amy" is an Academy Award winning documentary by director Asif Kapadia which follows the life and career of British singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse. The film chronicles her rise to fame, her struggles with addiction and mental health, and her untimely death at the age of 27. The film includes interviews with family, friends, and colleagues of Amy, as well as archival footage, home videos, and exclusive live performances. It reveals her extraordinary talent, her troubled relationships, and her complicated life journey. The documentary is a powerful and heartbreaking look into the life of an immensely talented musician who will forever be remembered for her unique style and soulful voice.

From Arthur Penn, starring Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman
Rated R

Bonnie and Clyde (1967) is a classic crime film directed by Arthur Penn and starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. The movie follows two small-time criminals, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, on their crime spree across America during the Great Depression. Along the way, the two lovers rob banks and gas stations, steal cars and shoot anyone who stands in their way. Despite the danger, Bonnie and Clyde remain devoted to each other until their death in a violent climax. The movie is an iconic representation of the 1960s counterculture and is considered one of the greatest movies of all time.

From Aisling Walsh, starring Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke, Zachary Bennett, Gabrielle Rose
Rated PG-13

Maudie is a 2016 biographical drama film directed by Aisling Walsh. It stars Sally Hawkins as Maud Lewis, an arthritic Nova Scotian woman who yearns to be independent, and Ethan Hawke as Everett Lewis, a curmudgeonly fish peddler who hires Maud to be his housekeeper. Despite their stark differences, Maud and Everett eventually form a bond and marry. Maudie eventually begins to paint, finding a new passion and purpose in life, and Everett gives her the support she needs to become a successful folk artist. Their relationship and Maud's career are put to the test when Everett's struggle with alcoholism threatens to tear them apart. Ultimately, Maud and Everett's mutual love and respect for each other prevails, and Maud is recognized as one of Canada's most celebrated folk artists.

From Olivier Dahan, starring Marion Cotillard, Sylvie Testud, Pascal Greggory, Emmanuelle Seigner
Rated PG-13

La Vie en Rose is a French biographical musical drama film about the life of singer Édith Piaf. It follows Piaf's life from her early childhood in France to her rise to stardom, her love life, and her battle with substance abuse and other health problems. The film stars Marion Cotillard as Piaf, and also features Gérard Depardieu and Clotilde Courau. The film paints a vivid portrait of Piaf's life and her extraordinary singing talent, and has received critical acclaim, winning two Academy Awards and numerous other accolades. It offers a look into the tumultuous life of one of the most celebrated French singers of all time, and is an emotionally stirring film that celebrates the beauty of life, even at its lowest moments.

From Marc Rothemund, starring Julia Jentsch, Fabian Hinrichs, Alexander Held, Johanna Gastdorf
Rated Not Rated

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days is a 2005 German historical drama film directed by Marc Rothemund and written by Fred Breinersdorfer. The film is based on the historical events of the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. It tells the story of the last six days in the life of Sophie Scholl, a 21-year-old member of the group, who was found guilty of high treason and executed by guillotine in 1943. The film follows Sophie and her brother Hans as they distribute anti-war leaflets at the University of Munich with the help of their friend, Christoph Probst. The trio are discovered by the Gestapo and interrogated by Robert Mohr and his assistant, Gebhardt. Despite being tortured, Sophie and Hans remain steadfast in their beliefs and refuse to betray their friends. In the end, Sophie and Hans are found guilty of high treason and are executed. The film ends with Sophie's last words before her execution: "Such a fine, sunny day, and I have to go. What does my death matter, if through us, thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?"

From Liz Garbus, starring Nina Simone, Lisa Simone Kelly, Roger Nupie, Al Schackman
Rated Not Rated

What Happened, Miss Simone? is a 2015 biographical documentary film about singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone. Directed by Liz Garbus and narrated by Lisa Simone Kelly, the daughter of Nina Simone, the film chronicles Simone’s rise to fame as a singer and pianist, and her civil rights activism as she worked to bring attention to the plight of African Americans in the United States and around the world. Through rare archival footage, audio interviews, and performances, the film paints a vivid portrait of a complex and determined woman who used her music and her voice to fight for justice and equality.

From Stephen Frears, starring Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Mare Winningham
Rated PG-13

Philomena (2013) is a British-American drama directed by Stephen Frears, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. Based on a true story, the film follows Philomena Lee (Dench), an elderly Irish woman who discovers that the son she was forced to give up for adoption in 1950s Ireland is still alive, and sets out on a journey to find him. Along the way, she meets Martin Sixsmith (Coogan), a cynical former BBC journalist who decides to help her with her search. Through a series of interviews, Philomena and Sixsmith discover that her son was adopted by an American family and taken to the United States. With the help of a sympathetic nun, they eventually track him down, but the reunion reveals a complicated series of secrets, lies, and betrayals that challenges their relationship with each other and forces them to confront their pasts.

From Richard LaGravenese, starring Hilary Swank, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn
Rated PG-13

Freedom Writers is a 2007 American drama film written and directed by Richard LaGravenese, based on the 1999 book The Freedom Writers Diary by teacher Erin Gruwell who wrote the story based on Woodrow Wilson High School in Los Angeles. The film follows a dedicated teacher in a racially divided Los Angeles school who gives her students what they've always needed: a voice. Gruwell (Hilary Swank) encounters students who are unmotivated, alienated, and ready to drop out of school. Through unconventional teaching methods, Gruwell inspires them to write down their personal stories and discover the power of telling their own stories. As her students begin to express themselves through writing, they overcome their differences and create an unbreakable bond of trust, friendship and respect. Through their experiences, Gruwell and her students come to realize the importance of tolerance, acceptance and personal strength.

From Nikolaj Arcel, starring Alicia Vikander, Mads Mikkelsen, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, Trine Dyrholm
Rated R

A Royal Affair is a 2012 Danish historical drama film directed by Nikolaj Arcel and starring Mads Mikkelsen, Alicia Vikander, and Mikkel Boe Følsgaard. The film tells the story of the passionate affair between a German doctor, Johann Friedrich Struensee, and the Danish queen Caroline Matilda, which changed the course of their country's history in the late 18th century. Struensee is appointed court physician to the mentally-ill King Christian VII of Denmark, and is soon appointed de facto regent of the country. As he reforms the oppressive society, he and the Queen soon fall in love, which leads to a revolution and a struggle for power, as well as a life-altering tragedy. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

From Michael Apted, starring Sissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones, Levon Helm, Phyllis Boyens
Rated PG

Coal Miner's Daughter is a biographical film depicting the life story of country singer Loretta Lynn, who rose from poverty and obscurity in rural Kentucky to become one of the most successful and influential country music stars of all time. Directed by Michael Apted and starring Sissy Spacek in the lead role, the film follows Loretta's journey from her humble beginnings as the daughter of a coal miner to her eventual rise to superstardom. Along the way, she faces numerous obstacles, including poverty, gender inequality, and a strained relationship with her husband, played by Tommy Lee Jones. Despite these challenges, Loretta perseveres, eventually becoming an iconic figure in the country music scene and an inspiration to millions around the world.

From William Wyler, starring Barbra Streisand, Omar Sharif, Kay Medford, Anne Francis
Rated G

From Steven Soderbergh, starring Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick
Rated R

From Mira Nair, starring Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Kabanza
Rated PG

From Shekhar Kapur, starring Cate Blanchett, Liz Giles, Rod Culbertson, Paul Fox
Rated R

From Walter Lang, starring Yul Brynner, Deborah Kerr, Rita Moreno, Martin Benson
Rated G

From Martin Provost, starring Yolande Moreau, Ulrich Tukur, Anne Bennent, Geneviève Mnich
Rated Unrated

From George Stevens, starring Millie Perkins, Shelley Winters, Joseph Schildkraut, Richard Beymer
Rated Approved

From James Mangold, starring Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Clea DuVall, Brittany Murphy
Rated R

From Julie Taymor, starring Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mía Maestro
Rated R

From Simon Curtis, starring Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Brühl, Katie Holmes
Rated PG-13

From Patty Jenkins, starring Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern, Lee Tergesen
Rated R

From Stephen Frears, starring Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Alex Jennings
Rated PG-13

From Anand Tucker, starring Emily Watson, Rachel Griffiths, James Frain, David Morrissey
Rated R

From Brian Gibson, starring Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, RaéVen Kelly, Virginia Capers
Rated R