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The Women

User ImageO. 17 September 2008 Movie Reviews, entertainment, happiness | Comments

I may be biased since the original 1939 version of The Women is one of my favorite movies, but I have to say that I loved, loved, loved the new updated version out this week starring Meg Ryan, Annette Benning, Debra Messing, and Jada Pinkett-Smith.

Admittedly, the movie got off to a rather slow start while trying to introduce the characters, and setting up the plot, but once it found its bearings, it was an emotional roller coaster ride, tugging on the heartstrings one moment and sending movie goers into uncontrollable guffaws the next.

Although based on the title, many, okay, mainly men will assume that this movie will be two hours worth of bitching and whinning and man bashing, it was nothing of the sort. The women were like many I know, trying to define themselves and wondering how to have it all.

I was rather surprised after reading reviews that some women didn’t like it because it wasn’t exactly like the original. Surprised because the message of the original would have totally been lost since it was made in 1939 and we are now in 2008. I also chuckled at reviews that said that this movie was about a bunch of spoiled, pampered rich women, when the majority of the women in the movie were smart, working, ambitious women, which is one of the main themes of the movie that would have been seen if people could get past hating on the movie for five minutes.

And in fact as a woman of almost 40 who chose to marry and raise a family at 18, and who is facing an empty nest in a few short years I totally embrace the message of reinventing oneself and taking the necessary steps of coming into one’s own. If this is not a universal message for women, then I truly don’t know what is.

There is also a lot of talk about this movie being some kind of Sex in the City knock off. I am amazed at the ignorance of people actually running around saying this, considering that the original version of The Women was probably a factor that played a part in the original conception of Sex in the City. This movie actually paved the way for many of the female centered films that we see today.

I am saddened that in the bashing and hating of this movie, the real message of strong female friendships and relationships and the realization that as women, we can have it all, but we don’t have to have and do it all at the same time is going to get lost.

I am also saddened by the fact that many women were upset that the main character would actually consider staying with her husband after he cheated on her. Have we really gotten to the point in this world that no matter how good our relationships are, that the first thing we do at the first sign of trouble is run? That is too bad, because not every relationship ends because of cheating and I commend this movie for alluding to the fact that it is okay to try and save a relationship. Kudos to the people who still have some semblance of hope. I am glad that this is one aspect of the original that the movie makers did not change.

Hopefully those of you who have seen it and didn’t like it and are reading this will suspend judgement long enough to allow those who haven’t seen it the opportunity to judge for themselves, and hopefully be inspired. And if you haven’t seen it, go in with an open mind, ready to laugh, and have a good time. Try to see it as if there is something in there for you, even if you only liked the clothes. I mean, afterall, I am the Super Sexy Bootylicious Diva Muse, I give relationship advice and practically talk women off the rooftops on a regular basis, and I received several messages and inspiration from this film.

In all, this is a must see film for people who want to feel inspired and who just want to have fun.

I’m giving this bootylicious flick five winks!!!

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    I agree with you! I really loved this movie too and my husband (who I dragged kicking and grumbling) actually liked it too -- though he perhaps would not admit it to his friends. I loved it and am taking my teenage girls. It is about time things revolved a little more to women. I love your blog!
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    Interesting thoughts on the film. When I went to see Sex and the City I saw the trailer, and I didn't really know what to think of it. I didn't realise that it was originally done in 1939, and now I've read your review I will definitely try and watch it when I can.
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    I'm glad you liked it. The Women, the original is my actual all time favorite movie from my childhood to adult and I am cautious about the remake. I am so cautious I really need assurances by trusted gals. If you say its good and doesnt soil the original, I may actually see this!
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    As far as the original vs the remake. If you liked the snarkiness of the original, you may not like this one. I really liked the original for what it was at the time.

    The original really highlighted the backstabbing nature of women, more than likely because it was directed by a man and that is how men see us. And it had its place. However, I feel that today, women are trying to move beyond the stereotype of being catty, and back stabbing, and the remake does that.

    The remake focuses more on how friendships and sisterhood are so important when we are going through things. They are most definitely two separate movies. The story line is the same, and the scene structure is for the most part the same, but the message has been updated and was something I could identify with much more than the original.

    This wasn't a problem for me because I personally don't see the point of remaking a movie exactly the same as it was made originally, especially in this case since women have come so far from 1939 in our attitudes and the things that we are choosing to do with our lives these days.

    I would suggest going into it with an open mind and ready for laughter. And if you like it great, and if not, there are other movies.
    : )
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    Hi Diva Muse. I loved the music. It was incredible.
 
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