Fried Green Tomatoes: Why Good Feminist Films Matter

Abstract

Film, as a powerful cultural communication tool, significantly impacts viewers' values, attitudes, and behaviors. Feminist films, by presenting complex, three-dimensional female characters and their stories, can promote societal understanding of women's issues and advance gender equality. They also provide a platform for female creators to voice their perspectives, challenging gender inequality in the male-dominated film industry. This study examines the 1991 classic American film "Fried Green Tomatoes." It found that the film's costumes convey symbolic meanings related to gender, class, and occupation, reflecting societal expectations and stereotypes. A comparative analysis of Idgie's and Ruth's costumes reveals their character traits: Idgie's free-spirited, nature-bound lifestyle contrasts with Ruth's gentle, kind demeanor. "Fried Green Tomatoes" effectively uses parallel perspectives to challenge traditional gender roles and redefine them. By analyzing this feminist film, the study deepens the understanding of the positive role of feminist cinema, enriching feminist perspectives in film studies and highlighting women's self-awakening and resistance through the narrative of friendship and growth.