Feminism In Film: Princess Leia

Before Wonder Woman was referred to as an on-screen icon for feminism, many women stepped in to those boundary pushing boots to kick ass on screen. Today, we're taking a look at every geek's dream girlfriend, and every geek chick's dream best friend, Princess Leia.

Princess Leia (played by the incomparable Carrie Fischer) first hit the screen in 1977 in the first episode of the STAR WARS saga. Like most films, Leia was not the official main character of the film, and yet she managed to steal the show. So what is it that makes Princess Leia so badass?

Well for one, she flips the script completely. Although the initial story begins as a tale about Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia takes over in her first scene. When Luke tells Leia that he's arrived to rescue her, she simply asks "You're who?" Her priority isn't to be rescued, not because she's given up, but because she knows she can probably rescue herself. Leia doesn't look for a hero, because she is.

In fact, Princess Leia is the character who leads the Rebel Alliance, the opposing faction to her father's empire. Leia uses her wit to hide plans for the Death Star in R2-D2 and when she is finally "rescued" by Luke, she doesn't become the damsel in distress, she becomes another soldier, equipped with weapons and ready to fight.

Watch Star Wars, you'll notice that Leia partakes in every battle. She never allows herself to become a victim or subject to protection.

And Princess Leia is just one of the many badass women in film who exemplified the strength that women could offer the art of film. Isn't it funny how life imitates art? Be sure to check in for another episode of Feminism In Film!