Groundbreaking Moments in Cinema: A Look Back at 2017

2017 was a landmark year in cinema, marked by significant strides in women’s rights and cultural representation. As we eagerly anticipate the exciting releases promised in movie trailers, let’s reflect on some of the most memorable and unexpected moments from the past year’s films.

The Grapefruit Scene – “Rough Night”

Female sexuality has been increasingly explored on screen in recent years. However, the grapefruit scene in “Rough Night” brought something entirely new to the table. This parody of a sexual act is both comedic and eerily realistic, leaving audiences unsure of how to react.

Kevin Spacey’s Replacement in “All the Money in the World”

Ridley Scott’s decision to replace Kevin Spacey and reshoot his scenes in “All the Money in the World” sent shockwaves through Hollywood. This move signifies progress, demonstrating that the industry is no longer tolerant of sexual misconduct and harassment.

No Man’s Land – “Wonder Woman”

Just as Batman’s origin story hinges on the murder of his parents, and Spider-Man’s on the death of his uncle, “Wonder Woman” presents a pivotal moment that defines its heroine. Diana and her guides approach the edge of “No Man’s Land,” initially planning to circumvent it. However, after learning that a nearby village has been captured, Diana is compelled to act. Despite others’ insistence that crossing “No Man’s Land” is impossible, she perseveres and ultimately succeeds where countless men have failed. This scene has become one of the most iconic in superhero cinema history.

The Hospital Scene – “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” offers a raw and unfiltered portrayal of a rape victim’s experience, a perspective rarely seen in films. The hospital scene, which takes place immediately after the assault, is particularly harrowing as it highlights the procedural aftermath of sexual violence. Most films tend to focus solely on the psychological impact or the investigation of the crime.

Lost in Translation – “Okja”

“Okja” is a progressive film in itself, featuring a diverse cast that includes South Korean actors, Tilda Swinton, and Jake Gyllenhaal. The movie is entirely bilingual, a rarity in Hollywood, with characters speaking both English and Korean. The subtitles not only help convey jokes in different languages but also underscore the delicate nature of language itself.

Morning Routines – “The Shape of Water”

Each morning, Elisa follows the same rituals: turning off her alarm, boiling eggs, and retreating to the bathroom for a shower and masturbation. Female masturbation is rarely discussed in culture, let alone depicted on screen. The fact that it is included in Elisa’s daily routine is a significant breakthrough. However, the scene is not explicit; del Toro focuses on a countdown timer and water splashes rather than nudity.

Family Life – “Professor Marston & the Wonder Women”

“Professor Marston & the Wonder Women” does more than just depict steamy threesome scenes. It also delves into the characters’ everyday lives, offering a glimpse into how a polyamorous relationship between one man and two women functions on a day-to-day basis.

Laura’s Fight – “Logan”

The image of a young, traumatized girl fighting back against those who have wronged her is incredibly powerful. Laura’s character challenges the notion that girls are inherently fragile and weak.

Belle Defies Gender Expectations – “Beauty and the Beast”

Would a Disney princess traditionally wear riding boots, invent a washing machine, and teach girls to read despite the townsfolk’s objections? Thanks to renowned women’s rights activist Emma Watson, the character of Belle has taken on new, inspiring dimensions.

Ruth Refuses to Be a Victim – “Revenge”

We are accustomed to seeing women rescued in movies. However, when a woman takes charge of her own salvation, it is a powerful moment. In “Revenge,” the police dismiss the protagonist’s claims, forcing her to take matters into her own hands. Although her actions have unpleasant consequences, she at least obtains some form of retribution.

Gamora Puts Personal Preferences Above Love – “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”

Despite the palpable chemistry between the two main characters, Gamora knows that a romance with Star-Lord is not what she needs at this moment. As she remains steadfast in her decision, we can only wait to see if anything changes in the next Marvel installment.

As we look back on these groundbreaking moments, it’s clear that 2017 was a year of significant progress in cinema. These scenes and stories have not only entertained us but also challenged our perceptions and pushed boundaries.

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