How much did you love Mad Max: Fury Road? If you're like me, I bet the answer is: a lot. The film has been a huge hit, and for good reason; it has amazing cinematography, an action-packed plotline in a post-apocalyptic future, and a groundbreaking performance from Charlize Theron. Mad Max has been in theaters since May 15, but it's been so successful that it is still playing in some places. If you've already gone through your budget on theater-priced tickets, you're probably anxiously awaiting the opportunity to watch Mad Max at home and wondering when is Mad Max coming to Itunes. Well, here's some good news: you'll be able to do that when the movie is released on the platform in just two weeks time.
Mad Max will be available on iTunes starting August 11, which gives you just enough time to wrap your head around the fact that Charlize Theron somehow looks as stunning with a buzzcut and covered in soot as she does on the red carpet. But the emphasis of Mad Max, of course, is not Theron's good looks; it's that fact that her character Furiosa is one of the greatest feminist characters to ever appear on film. Furiosa is a warrior, a hero, and a complex human being. The film also portrays her as highly capable and self-sufficient, which is a change from many other films which claim to feature a "strong female lead" (seriously, every time Netflix suggests that category to me with The Hills as an example, Elizabeth Cady Stanton rolls in her grave). Until Fury Road arrives on iTunes, here are some great films available online and on DVD which have badass female protagonists.
1. Tris, Divergent
Shailene Woodley's character finds her inner strength when she joins the Dauntless faction, and then applies it when she decides to fight against the corrupt Erudite government.
2. Lisbeth, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
The heroine of Steig Larsson's trilogy, who has been played by both Noomi Rapace and Rooney Mara, is a genius computer hacker, relentless survivor, and seriously impressive motorcyclist. As for which actor captured Lisbeth's fearlessness better, you'll have to decide for yourself.
3. Katniss, The Hunger Games
One would be remiss not to mention Jennifer Lawrence as "the girl on fire," who saves her sister's life by taking her place in the Hunger Games, and then takes down the government that created the Games in the first place.
4. Skeeter, The Help
Emma Stone brought both spunk and courage to her portrayal of Skeeter, the southern girl who battles both segregation and racism through the power of written word.
5. Maggie, Million Dollar Baby
Hilary Swank won an Oscar for her portrayal of Maggie, an underdog boxer who gives everything she has to overcome her circumstances. The twist at the end is....well...you'll have to see for yourself.
These are just some of the complex, powerful, intelligent female characters in films to date. Catch up with some of your favorite past heroines so you can see how they measure up to Furiosa when Mad Max: Fury Road is finally available!
Images: Warner Bros Studios, Giphy (5)
