It's frustrating we still don't see more movies featuring strong

In the world of storytelling, where the human soul is laid bare for all to see, few things are as moving as the portrayal of strength—and in this, Theo James’ words, “It’s frustrating we still don’t see more movies featuring strong women,” reveal a timeless truth. For far too long, the stories we have shared with each other have largely excluded women from the central narrative of heroism, leadership, and power. Women, throughout history, have been relegated to the sidelines of epic tales, often seen as passive supporters rather than active protagonists. James' frustration is not just with the films of today but with an age-old narrative that has failed to fully honor the strength of women in all its forms.

When we turn our gaze to the ancient world, we find that women have always been present in the stories of greatness, though their voices have often been muted or overlooked. In the epic poetry of Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey, we find Helen of Troy, whose beauty sparked a war, and Penelope, whose wisdom and loyalty held the very fabric of her kingdom together during her husband's long absence. These figures were not just passive observers of the world around them; they were women who, in their own ways, displayed tremendous inner strength, shaping the course of history in ways both subtle and profound. Yet, for all their strength, it was often overshadowed by the mighty deeds of their male counterparts.

The frustration that James expresses can also be seen in the stories of ancient queens who wielded great power and influence. Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt, was not merely a symbol of beauty but a ruler who played a pivotal role in the political dramas of her time. She aligned with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, not simply for love or political advantage but as a strategic force in the shaping of Egypt’s fate. Boudica, the warrior queen of the Iceni tribe, led her people against the Roman Empire in a rebellion that would echo through history. These women were far more than mere footnotes in the annals of history—they were powerful forces, shaping the world in ways that the men of their time could not ignore.

And yet, despite such examples of power and leadership, the cultural portrayal of women as strong figures has been slow to emerge in modern narratives. Throughout history, women have been confined to the roles of mother, wife, or temptress—rarely afforded the opportunity to stand as heroes in their own right. Even today, films featuring strong women are often an exception, not the rule. Women are portrayed in supporting roles, while men continue to dominate the world of action and heroism. This imbalance is a reflection of the societal narrative that has placed gender limitations on the perception of strength and leadership.

James’ frustration echoes the sentiment of ancient philosophers who saw the great potential in human equality. Aristotle, despite his many contributions to philosophy, held views on women that were deeply rooted in the ideas of his time—ideas that often saw women as inferior or subordinate to men. Yet even in these archaic perspectives, there were glimpses of recognition that women, when afforded the opportunity, could display great strength. In his works, Plato suggested that women could be as capable as men in the realm of rulership and leadership, a vision that was far ahead of his time. The modern frustration we feel with the lack of strong female portrayals in cinema is not just about the absence of such stories but a reflection of the deep-rooted cultural and historical barriers that have long kept them from the center stage.

The lesson in James’ words is clear: the world’s greatest stories are incomplete without the full representation of strength—not just in men, but in women as well. The cinema, as the modern-day theater, has the power to reshape the narratives that shape our understanding of the world. We must see strong women not as outliers, but as integral parts of every story, every journey of transformation. Women, like Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, must be portrayed not as exceptions but as central figures of the heroic narrative. It is through this shift in storytelling that we can finally correct the imbalance, and provide future generations with a more holistic vision of what it means to be strong.

Therefore, as we look to the future, we must actively support the creation of stories that reflect the complexity and depth of women’s experiences. Let us champion films, books, and art that explore female strength, intelligence, and courage, in all its forms. Just as ancient epics showed us the power of women to shape the world, so too can modern stories highlight the immense potential that has too often been overlooked. By embracing this vision, we can ensure that future generations see strength in all its forms, regardless of gender, and are inspired to live with the same courage, wisdom, and integrity that strong women have embodied throughout the ages.