Have you ever re-watched one of your favorite childhood films with an adult perspective? Besides the occasional adult innuendo, we often catch a hidden meaning or theme that completely went over our heads as a kid. Compassion for animals is a reoccurring theme in many of our beloved children’s classics. Next time you’re in the mood to “Netflix and chill,” instead of watching a morbid documentary on animal injustices, here are seven light-hearted kid’s films that subtly promote the vegan and compassionate lifestyle. 

1. “101 Dalmatians”
The vegan lifestyle isn’t just about what you eat; it’s also about what you wear. This 1961 “oldie but goodie” Disney film communicates a strong anti-fur message through its evil depiction of the fur-loving antagonist, Cruella de Vil. The lyrics describe her as, “This vampire bat, this inhuman beast,” which suggest that killing animals for the sake of fashion is truly abhorrent. Of course, Cruella takes it to the extreme, but if you wouldn’t wear a puppy, you shouldn’t wear any other animal, be it a fox, rabbit, or cow.

2. “The Little Mermaid”
This 1989 Disney classic is the first of many animated features to personify our seafood. Both Sebastian the lobster and Flounder the…well, flounder, are portrayed as the heroine’s friends – not her meal. The audience roots for Sebastian as he evades Chef Louie‘s assaults to chop and boil him. The point is driven further within the lyrics of “Under the Sea.” Sebastian sings, “The fish on the land ain’t happy. They sad cause they in the bowl. But fish in the bowl is lucky. They in for a worser fate. One day when the boss get hungry, guess who’s gon‘ be on the plate?” Sure, he may be a fictionalized character, but Sebastian’s message is loud and clear: fish have feelings and are not for human consumption. 

3. “Babe”
There’s nothing like watching an adorable bond between a piglet and a Border Collie to make you reconsider your morning bacon. First produced in 1995 by Universal Productions, the story draws empathy for Babe, the piglet, as he searches to find his place on the farm. Apart from the “cute” factor, the viewer becomes attached to Babe as he searches for a sense of purpose. The idea hints that animals, like us, have complex feelings. We don’t want to just live, we want to belong to a family and find meaning in our lives.

4. “Chicken Run”
In 2000, Dreamworks made a fairly bold commentary on both the slaughter and egg-producing industries through this claymation film. Set on a British farm, the plot is centered around four hens and a rooster as they try to escape their deadly fate. If the hens don’t lay enough eggs within a week, they are sent to the potpie factory, run by the evil, greed-driven farmers, Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy. Dreamworks allows the story to get fairly dark; the climax takes place within the slaughter house where the main characters, Rocky and Ginger, nearly lose their heads. In the end, the chickens prevail; they destroy the potpie factory, escape the concentration-camp confines of the farm, and find a safe island to raise their new family. 

5. “Finding Nemo”
“Fish are friends, not food.” The iconic quote from this instant 2003 Disney/Pixar classic says it all. Of course, the audience feels an immediate connection to the main characters – Marlin, Dori, and Nemo – but by the end of the film, the viewer feels sympathy for all fish. During the final conflict scene, Nemo is trapped in a commercial fishing net with hundreds of other fish, struggling to break free. The audience is on the edge of their seat, not only because we want Nemo to reunite with his dad, but because we feel for the nameless fish as well.

6. “The Good Dinosaur”
True, we don’t eat dinosaurs, but this 2015 Oscar nominee by Disney/Pixar invokes compassion for animals nonetheless. Arlo, the main character, cannot bring himself to kill another living being, even when prompted by his father and his unlikely human companion, Spot. In addition to Arlo leading by example, the film also utilizes shock value to invoke sympathy for animals. There is a rather disturbing scene where a group of manipulative pterodactyls pretend to save a furry, defenseless “critter,” only to ruthlessly kill and swallow it seconds later. In comparison to the unfeeling acts of the supporting characters, Arlo’s unwavering sense of compassion and empathy earn him the title “the good dinosaur.”

7. “WALL-E”
Pixar’s Oscar-winning 2008 animated feature gives the audience a somewhat comedic yet equally concerning glimpse into what the future could be like if humans continue down their current path of consumption. In the future, the Earth is a complete wasteland, piled with trash and completely uninhabitable. The humans have evacuated to a space shuttle, where they zoom around in electric chairs due to their flubber-like bodies, unable to perform much physical activity. The current trends of animal agriculture, a leading cause of pollution, and the high consumption of animal products through the standard fast food diet, could make this animated film a reality. WALL-E encourages its viewers to rethink their lifestyle and make healthier, more sustainable choices for themselves and the future of our planet.

Find Tanya on Instagram and The Vegan Potluck Podcast. 

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This is a man’s world, especially in Hollywood, but these female directors are breaking and changing the rules.

It’s often talked about how women are portrayed in film; even today with cinema being as varied as it is, many movies still portray women as one-dimensional characters, falling into many gender stereotypes. But when the majority of films hitting our screens are made by men, it’s hardly surprising that the representation of women isn’t always up to scratch.

However, recent blockbusters like “Wonder Woman,” directed by Patty Jenkins, prove that the tides are turning and that there is a real desire to have stories visualized through the eyes of women just as much as men.

Discover some of the female directors we think you need to watch out for in the next few years, and their must see movies who also happen to champion complexed and strong female characters (or poke fun at stereotypes, in the case of number four).

5 Must-See Films By Female Directors

1. “Electrik Children” (2012) Rebecca Thomas

Including teenage pregnancy and fundamentalist religion, you don’t expect “Electrick Children” to be a barrel of laughs, but from start to finish it is full of infectious optimism and innocence. Centered on curious fifteen year old Rachel (Julia Garner), who believes she has been impregnated by listening to “Don’t Leave Me Hanging On The Telephone” on a forbidden cassette player, we follow her on a journey of self-discovery into the world beyond her Mormon family. Thomas handles potentially dark subjects with grace, never straying far from Rachel’s bright view of the world, with delicious cinematography as the cherry on top.

2. “Into The Forest” (2015) Patricia Rozema

Although “Into The Forest” can be described as an apocalyptic sci-fi, Rozema skips special effects and chaotic city scenes, instead favoring an inward glance into what the end of the world could really look like. Our focus is on sisters Nell and Eva (played by the equally fantastic Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood) who live in their remote house in the forest, whose world changes one day when the power goes out. Beginning as composed and calm, things slowly unravel little piece by piece. Brace yourself for this harrowing tale of sisterhood, loss, and survival.

3. “Queen Of Katwe” (2016) Mira Nair

Nair is a seasoned director with twenty four titles under her belt, but this latest collaboration with Disney is a must see for anyone who loves a heartwarming true story. Based on the rise of chess champion Phiona Mutesi from the slums of Katwe in Uganda. While her incredible story could have easily translated to overly soppy and out of touch on screen (and via Hollywood), it’s feel good and uplifting in all the right places, without straying far from the reality of what it’s like for one person’s life to change in such a dramatic way.

4. “Ruby Sparks” (2012) Valeria Faris and Jonathan Dayton

This may be directed by both a man and woman, but it’s so good that it has to make the list. You may know this movie making dream team better for their blockbuster Little Miss Sunshine, but this unusual romantic comedy is just as worthy of recognition. Bestselling author Calvin (Paul Dano) can’t get past his decade long writer’s block, until one day he’s inspired to write about the woman of his dreams, Ruby (Zoe Kazan). The twist in the story? Ruby soon comes to life! This fun flick has a serious side, commenting a lot of the idealization of women, and unrealistic expectations within relationships as a whole. Watch out for another release by this duo, “Battle Of The Sexes,” hitting cinemas later this year!

5. “Wadjda” (2012) Haifaa Al-Mansour

If there is one female director who is seriously killing it, it’s Al-Mansour. Not only is “Wadjda” a more than worthy watch, but it’s the first ever feature film by a female Saudi director. Elements of the film reveal just what a feat that is, in a country where life for women is wholly different from those in the West. Our protagonist Wadjda (Waad Mohammed) may be just a girl, but she’s not going to let anyone put her in a girls-only box. In fact, she is a badass. On a mission to buy the bicycle of her dreams, you’ll be rooting for her the whole way as she uses her wit, charm, and smarts to accomplish her goal with everyone against her; at times even her own mother. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for another feature from this trailblazing director in the future.

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The “Twin Peaks” reboot on Showtime has brought a whole new audience of viewers into the world of David Lynch. Whether you are new to the work of Lynch, or a long time fan since the beginning, here’s a rundown of some of the other must-see works of David Lynch.

David Lynch is one of the greatest American directors. He’s actually a Jack-of-all-trades or even a Renaissance Man who lends his creative talents to directing, screenwriting, painting, acting, painting, photography, and even making music. No matter your taste preference for his work, it cannot be denied that his artistry has left an indelible mark on modern American cinema (and the small screen as well).

Lynch’s “Twin Peaks: the Return” (created in conjunction with Mark Frost) has introduced his work to a new generation as well as reinvigorated those already familiar with his work. We take a look at some of Lynch’s best films, so you know what to watch next.

5 Must See David Lynch Films

1. “Blue Velvet” (1986)

This film is one part noir, one part horror, and if you appreciate the creeper aspects of “Twin Peaks,” then this one might be right up your alley. Kyle Maclachlan makes his debut in this film–and not as Agent Dale Cooper (or alternative Agent Cooper), but as a young man who becomes infatuated with a beautiful lounge singer (played by Isabella Rossellini) and gets mixed up in some very bad business at the hands of a creepy gangster played by Dennis Hopper.

2. “Mulholland Drive” (2001)

Naomi Watts, another regular Lynch collaborator, makes her Lynchian debut in what may be Lynch’s most critically-acclaimed film. Mulholland is another neo-noir film with a mystery of sorts at its center that involves Watts and a mysterious woman who survives a car crash on Mulholland Drive. The narrative isn’t linear so it can be quite disconcerting, but in a good way.

3. “Dune” (1984)

While not a success at the box office, or with the critics at the time, Lynch’s take on the Frank Herbert sci-fi novel by the same name, “Dune” is still worth seeing. The film features Lynch mainstay Kyle Maclachlan as well as ex-Police frontman, Sting. The special effects are certainly dated and somewhat cheesy when looking back at the film today, but it’s a thrilling story and seeing Kyle Maclachlan riding a giant sand worm is something to behold.

4. “Wild at Heart” (1990)

“Wild at Heart”, which came out after just after the original “Twin Peaks” series ended can boast about having maybe the most actors from Twin Peaks as part of its cast. Laura Dern, Harry Dean Stanton, Sherilyn Fenn, Sheryl Lee are all “Twin Peaks” actors (including the original and the return) and act alongside Nicholas Cage, Isabella Rossellini, and others. The story is of young love on the run and while the reviews were a mixed bag of both good and bad, it’s worth a trip back to 1990.

5. “Eraserhead” (1977)

The one that started it all was “Eraserhead”–Lynch’s first feature film. And from the Lynchian cannon it is probably the most surreal–even considering some of the strong surrealism from the series “Twin Peaks: the Return.” The film stars a much younger Jack Nance and Charlotte Stewart, who respectively played Pete Martell and Betty Briggs (the wife of Major Briggs) in the original “Twin Peaks.” Shot in black and white, it’s a surreal horror film that plays with themes of darkness, industrial bleakness, and generally leaves one with a disturbing feeling. While it’s not the easiest film to watch, it’s important  in the pursuit of understanding the creative world of David Lynch.

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What are the best Alan Rickman films to watch to honor this great actor?

It’s been a bad week. First we lost David Bowie and then we lost actor Alan Rickman. So far, 2016 hasn’t been all that great for treasured and adored iconic figures in music and film. We really should form a protective circle of love around Sir Ian McKellan and Sir Patrick Stewart.

Alan Rickman’s career, for millennials who might not be aware, consisted of many more iconic roles besides that of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. While his performance as Snape certainly earned him all the adoration that came his way, he proved himself in many other films as well. Rickman was lucky enough to be in some really great films–and he was such a stellar performer that he could even save a dud of a movie.

Here’s a list of some of Alan Rickman’s best and most iconic performances, excluding his role of Snape in the Harry Potter franchise. Honor this tremendously talented and versatile actor and spend some time enjoying his other films.

“Dogma,” 1999

Written and directed by Kevin Smith (of “Clerks” fame), Alan Rickman plays the part of Metatron, the surly angel who acts as the voice of God (played by Alanis Morissette). This film is at the top of our list for good reason.

“Sense and Sensibility,” 1995

In this adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel by the same name, Rickman brings the honorable, yet boring, Colonel Brandon to life. He is actually quite dreamy in this role. Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, and Hugh Grant also star in this film.

“Truly, Madly, Deeply,” 1990

In this made for BBC rom-com, Rickman stars as the male love interest, who also happens to be a ghost for much of the film. He also sports a somewhat cheesy mustache.

“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” 1991

This may be the film that debuted Alan Rickman to the American audiences. He plays the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham, and in our view steals the show from Kevin Costner, who played Robin Hood.

“Love Actually,” 2003

In this film, that follows the lives of eight couples whose lives are loosely interrelated, Rickman plays a scoundrel. His story arc involves him pursuing a much younger woman, even though he is married. This film has quite an impressive ensemble cast featuring Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, and many more.

All film images via Wikipedia.

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What classic films have made an indelible impact on the world of fashion?

Hollywood and fashion are inextricably intertwined. From its birth, the film industry has been obsessed with fashion–both on-screen and off–with moviegoers demanding to be transported to a magical place where everyone is gorgeous and fashionable. With all that influence, movies have played a major role in the world of fashion by contributing to trends and by helping to change fashion mores.

There have been many iconic classic films– too many to list them all here–but some do stand out for their lasting impact on the fashion world. These are the classic films that you can check on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or wherever you watch films.

Most Iconic & Fashionable Classic Films

1. “Morocco” – 1930

Starring Marlene Dietrich, “Morocco” was a romantic drama about a cabaret singer and a love affair gone awry. The film was quite scandalous for its time because of the frank nature of some of the scenes–most notably when Dietrich performs in a man’s suit and kisses another woman. The film and Dietrich herself were so trendsetting that it is now commonplace for women’s fashions to incorporate menswear. In part, we have Marlene Dietrich to thank for that.

2. “The Philadelphia Story” -1940

“The Philadelphia Story” starred the inscrutable Katharine Hepburn, who played a Main Line Philadelphia socialite with a wardrobe to match her wealth and status. Memorable glamorous moments from costume designer Adrian Adolph Greenberg include a toga-inspired bathing suit coverup, another Grecian-inspired engagement gown, and plenty of pencil skirts and smart suits. This film defined 1940s fashion trends–at least for those with disposable income!

3. “Gilda” – 1946

Rita Hayworth stars as a sultry femme fatale singer in 1946’s “Gilda.” This film noir is riveting and full of intrigue, so much so that it might make you forget about the stunning costumes, but not really. Each ensemble is more glamorous than the last, but the piece de resistance is a black strapless satin gown created by costume designer Jean Louis.

4. “Rear Window” – 1954

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, “Rear Window” starred Grace Kelly as a socialite. The renowned Hollywood costume designer Edith Head was the creator of Kelly’s wardrobe for this film. The most iconic look was a black and white dress featuring a deep off-the-shoulder “V” neckline and a Dior “New Look” skirt of chiffon tulle. Hitchcock’s genius was in the details and this dress, as well as the other fashions in the film, all had those little touches of genius.

5. “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” – 1953

“Gentleman Prefer Blondes” starred Marilyn Monroe and featured one of the most instantly recognizable dresses from movie history–the shocking pink gown from the Marilyn’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” musical number. The satin strapless dress featured a straight neckline, bare arms and a big bow on the back. It was accessorized with long matching gloves, lots of diamonds, and has often been imitated, most notably in Madonna’s “Material Girl” video.

6. “Seven Year Itch” – 1955

Another Marilyn Monroe film, the “Seven Year Itch” was a 1950s style rom-com. Most remembered for featuring the well-known white halter dress designed by William Travilla, a costume designer who dressed Marilyn Monroe in eight of her films. She famously penned a note to him that said, “Billy Dear, please dress me forever. I love you, Marilyn.”

7. “Sabrina” – 1957

“Sabrina” starred the ingenue Audrey Hepburn in a coming of age story about a young girl who comes back from France a new woman with a new wardrobe to match. Hepburn forged a relationship with designer Hubert de Givenchy, who was just starting out at the time, and her wardrobe was part Givenchy and part Edith Head. The two standout looks are both simple, yet with a subtle sophistication that will come to define Hepburn’s style. They included a black cocktail dress with ties at the shoulders, and a stunning black and white embroidered ball gown.

8. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” – 1961

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was another Audrey Hepburn film with Givenchy and Edith Head collaborating. The most important look was the black gown accessorized with a tiara, a beaded bib necklace, and long black gloves, and which was originally designed by Givenchy and altered for the film by Edith Head.

So, did we miss any important classic films? What do you think are the most fashionable classic films?

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Get out of that movie rut and watch these 3 genre-defining classic movies.

Let’s face it, we don’t necessarily have a lot of time to watch movies and when we do it’s just too easy to watch whatever is the latest on Netflix, iTunes, HuluPlus or your cable provider. When we do that, we are all missing out on on some great classic movies that set the stage for, well, all movies. Not that there aren’t good movies being released today, but there are some real overlooked classic treasures out there.

One reason to look towards films from the past is that by watching only contemporary films we are getting modern culture and society mirrored back to us. When we watch classic movies, we get not just the content but the context as well–the historical and cultural backdrop of when the film was created–and that can help us see things we may not have seen before about our current slice of time.

And there’s such a breadth of classic movies available to us that it’s really impossible to run out of original content to enjoy.

Here are 3 genre-defining classic movies you may have overlooked that you should really add to your queue.

“To Kill A Mockingbird” – 1962 Genre: Courtroom Drama

Based on the classic novel by Harper Lee, “To Kill A Mockingbird” is a powerful film about race, power, justice, family, duty and more. Gregory Peck’s portrayal of the small town lawyer defending a man unjustly accused of a crime is one of the best film performances of all time. The courtroom scenes are among the best of the genre and really set the bar for all other courtroom dramas.

“City Lights” – 1931 Genre: Romantic Comedy

Like romantic comedies? Forget anything with Matthew McConaughey in it and instead watch “City Lights.” Written, produced, directed and acted in by Charlie Chaplin, it’s a real treat. It tells the story of Chaplin’s Tramp falling in love with a blind shop girl. In typical Chaplin fashion lots of hijinks, miscommunication and adventure follow. The ending is one of the most sadly poignant endings of all time and it’s pretty much the measure against which all other films of its genre are based.

“Chinatown” – 1974 Genre: Neo-Noir

“Chinatown” is a riveting neo-noir mystery starring Jack Nicholson. The Roman Polanski film is considered to be one of the best examples of noir and is also featured on many best film lists. It’s pretty much got everything that you could want in a dramatic film: mystery, psychological drama, intrigue, great one-liners and more. It details the corruption of the California Water Wars, which has far reaching implications to this day.

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“Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world.” – Marilyn Monroe

In 2013, we’re a lot more aware of where diamonds come from, and the dumb blonde act isn’t so cute anymore—but we still can’t resist the charms of Marilyn Monroe. In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, one of her most iconic roles, Marilyn played Lorelei Lee, a woman with a passion for diamonds who saw bagging a rich guy as the only way a woman could succeed in the ’50s. Aside from Marilyn’s breathy sex appeal and comic chops, what we remember most about this film is her glamour: that perfect platinum coif, her flawless red lips and the figure-hugging costumes that are still mimicked all these years later. Here’s how to copy  Marilyn Monroe’s vintage glam look with natural beauty products.

Marilyn Monroe Makeup: Red Lips and Illuminated Skin

Winged eyeliner, perfectly arched brows, scarlet lips and radiant skin came together into one trademark look that defines Hollywood glamour to this day. Marilyn always looked like she was glowing from within, yet there was never a flaw visible: no red spots, no undereye circles, no blemishes. Most of us aren’t starting with a perfect canvas, but we can fake it. Apply a light moisturizer to eliminate any dry spots and ensure an even application of foundation, and then cover any imperfections with a concealer like Josie Maran’s Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon or Jane Iredale’s Circle/Delete concealer, making sure to blend well.

Using a foundation brush (Eco Tools and Tarte offer cruelty-free options), apply a layer of light foundation. Then, use a highlighter stick along the tops of your cheekbones, down the center of your nose, and just below the arch of your eyebrows. Some quality organic options include W3LL People’s Universalist 2 Color Stick and Ilia Beauty’s Illuminator.

Winged eyeliner can be a little tricky if you’re not used to doing it, so follow along with a YouTube tutorial or two to practice. A swipe of red lipstick finishes off the look – check out our red-lip recommendations and tips.

Iconic Blond Curls: Recreating Marilyn’s Hair

Not everyone can achieve or pull off Marilyn’s pale platinum, but you can get the general effect with some rollers and volumizing products. You can try the pin curl method, which is what Marilyn did herself, as illustrated at Va-Voom Vintage Blog, or use the quicker modern method offered by XO Jane. To boost volume at the roots, try Intelligent Nutrients Organic Volumizing Spray, or Aveda’s Volumizing Tonic.

Forget Diamonds: The Finishing Touches

While there are plenty of ethical alternatives to blood diamonds, you don’t need anything that expensive to get Marilyn’s sparkly look. Raid thrift stores, vintage boutiques, Etsy and eBay for pre-loved costume jewelry – the hunt is part of the fun! The same goes for opera-length gloves.

Marilyn’s costumes in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes were so racy for the times, one particular deep-plunging gold dress didn’t make it past the censors. They were all designed to cling to her body in all the right places, showing off her curves. Look for vintage or vintage-style dresses with halter-style tops, nipped waists and flowing skirts that skim the hips.

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New movie ‘Gravity’ is burning up the box offices around the country. One story line you’re not likely to hear in the industry rags is how director Alfonso Cuarón gave up meat.

In Hollywood, actors aren’t the only ones opting for a vegetarian diet. Directors are beginning to see the importance of cruelty-free dining as well.

Alfonso Cuarón, director of the much anticipated movie “Gravity”, is a vegetarian. He joins “Avatar” director James Cameron, who went vegan a little over a year ago. No word yet on why the director chose to forgo meat or how long he’s been vegetarian, but we’d love to find out. Perhaps he and Cameron could meet at a Hollywood restaurant and discuss meat’s impact on animals and the environment. (We can dream.)

Cuarón’s past successes include the much lauded film “Children of Men”. Gravity was released on Oct. 4 in U.S. theaters.

This article appears courtesy of Ecorazzi

Ecorazzi covers news and gossip on celebrities and notables in support of the environment and humanitarian causes. You can follow us on Twitterand Facebook.

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Let’s take a moment to appreciate that the ballistic bat-craziness of the summer movie season will soon be a distant memory. Johnny Depp’s Tonto and his crow-hat will soon fade into our misty nightmares. Battling robots and monsters will rest until the next temperature rise. Instead, let’s settle in for some impressive movie characters making their fall debut.

Summer blockbuster’s “woman problem” is well known, with most big-budget films made up battling male heroes pitted against supernatural or super-circumstantial forces. And with the exception of more artful characters like Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine”, a richly complex type battling inner demons, most female summer movie characters are regulated to supporting roles.

Lucky for us, riding in on the crisp winds of fall are some incredibly fun and forceful females to grace our big screens. From Sandra Bullock’s terrifying take on a space walk to Jennifer Lawrence return as our favorite rebel-with-a-cause, here are six female movie characters ready for their close-up.

1. Dr. Ryan Stone in “Gravity”—October 4th

Sandra Bullock’s Dr. Stone takes the trend of “female supporting” and sucks the oxygen right out of it. An unfortunate spacewalk bashes Stone around piñata-like in space while she grasps frantically at non-air. Soon, she’s floating around our planet with limited oxygen and communications outside her link to the other surviving spacewalker, George Clooney’s Matt Kowalsky.

Director Alfonso Cuaron recently revealed that he had to fight to keep his lead female. “When I finished the script, there were voices that were saying, ‘well, we should change it to a male lead,’” Cuaron told a panel at Comic-Con. “Obviously they were not powerful enough voices, because we got away with it. But the sad thing is that there is still that tendency.” If Cuaron’s most recent trailer is any clue, Bullock’s voice for Stone is loud, proud, and definitely the future narrator of our worst stress dreams.




2. Winnie Mandela in “Winnie”—September 6th

Many of us first found Jennifer Hudson in her Academy Award-winning turn as Effie White in 2006’s “Dreamgirls.” She left us mimicking her tour-de-force performance to anyone who would listen, which may or may not have included belting out “And I am telling you…I’m not going!” to a hapless spouse who wants you to run to the store. Or visit your in-laws. And scene.

Now J.Hud revisits the big screen as Winnie Mandela, in the film adaptation of Anne Marie du Preez Bezrob’s biography “Winnie Mandela: A Life.” Despite lackluster reviews and a bit of controversy, including Winnie Mandela herself blasting the film, it is difficult to imagine Hudson not adding Winnie to her list of impressive movie characters.

3. Tauriel in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”—December 13th

Evangeline Lilly’s elf Tauriel has the unique distinction of being a movie character created by director Peter Jackson and partner Fran Walsh partially to help bring more well-tressed elves to the screen, and partially to flesh out a female character in the heavily-male dominated cast. Tolkien purists might protest, but those of us with carefully-preserved Eowyn dolls are psyched.

As Lilly describes Tauriel, “She’s slightly reckless and totally ruthless and doesn’t hesitate to kill.” We’ll be clutching our Evenstar necklaces in anticipation.



4. Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”—November 22nd

Dystopian ethos? Check. Good versus evil? Double check. A window into the voyeuristic consumer media we have today, placed in a totalitarian regime? I am so there.  Jennifer Lawrence is back as our spirit-animal, Katniss Everdeen, the conflicted heroine of “The Hunger Games” trilogy.

While we were used to seeing Katniss excel at survival in the first film, now we see her more vulnerable side. “She’s struggling with post-traumatic stress from the Games,” Lawrence told a recent Comic-Con panel via Digital Spy, “and she has this new life now where she never has to worry about food. She’s living in the Victors Village, and that kind of leaves her feeling useless.” Useless, of course, until an epic futuristic war of human rights explodes on her doorstep this fall.



5 and 6. Emma and Adele in “Blue is the Warmest Color”—October 25th

Winner of the 2013 Palme d’Or, director Abdellatif Kechiche’s romance brings us the story of two teenagers in love. With an almost generic premise, we first meet Lea Seydoux as Emma, the blue-haired bohemian who falls for Adèle Exarchopolous’s Adele, a 17-year old student searching for the big wild world. But these be no ordinary schoolgirl crushes, called “an extraordinary, prolonged popping-candy explosion of pleasure, sadness, anger, lust and hope, and contained within it – although only just – are the two best performances of the [Cannes Film] Festival” by at least one critic. Emma and Adele promise to give us a dazzling view of love, loss, and class in relationships.

Photo Credit: Color Force/Lion’s Gate

For Further Reading:

Katniss Everdeen as a Feminist Role Model

5 Essential Documentary Films for Anyone Who Cares About Women

The post Coming this Fall: 6 Female Movie Characters We Can Hardly Wait For appeared first on EcoSalon.

 Fresh, enthusiastic and playful, yet with a glamorous secret: who among us hasn’t wished to look like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday? One of the most mimicked style icons of the 20th century, Hepburn is timeless, a contradiction of girlish sweetness and womanly allure, and she truly shines in this career-launching role.

This summertime classic is ideal inspiration for a look that’s just as beautiful in 2013 as it was in 1953. Get this Hollywood look with natural, healthy cosmetics and beauty secrets that’ll make you feel like a princess ready to ride a Vespa down Via Veneto with a handsome stranger.

“Rome! By all means, Rome. I will cherish my visit here in memory as long as I live,” says Hepburn as Princess Ann, and this enthusiasm for a city that was Hepburn’s own home for twenty years shines through in the film, adding to the actress’ iconic healthy and wholesome glow. Fifty years later, the film has ben re-released in theaters to inspire a whole new generation of wistful wannabe travelers to fall in love with Rome, and Hepburn (not to mention dashing Gregory Peck.)

Hair: Baby Bangs and Soft Pinned Curls

Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s look and pixie crop may be her most popular hairstyles to copy, but the softer, sweeter updo she sports throughout most of Roman Holiday is so carefree and perfect for summer. This is a more casual, lower maintenance version of the curled-and-pinned styles popular at the time, and it’s easy to achieve at home with the help of a curling iron and lots of bobby pins. Get a tutorial for a similar look at My Favorite Things Blog.

Baby bangs definitely aren’t for everyone, though Hepburn pulls them off with aplomb. You can fake it by curling the front section of your hair and pinning it in place for a face-framing fringe-like look without the commitment.

Makeup: Fresh Face, Bold Brows and Pink Lips

Audrey Hepburn’s look is all about full, bold brows. Along with her doe eyes and full lips, her brows are her defining feature, and this signature look is back in style. But you know what? They weren’t totally natural. Hepburn needed help in that department, too, with makeup artists reportedly working hard to fill them in and get them just right. The key to filling in your brows is to use short strokes with a sharp pencil, brow marker or brush, mimicking hairs. Tarte offers a serious holy grail product for this purpose: Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse, which comes in three shades and includes a brush and wand for application.

A light tinted moisturizer or BB cream like Marie Veronique Organics Everyday Coverage, a swipe of mascara and a touch of pink on the lips and cheeks will finish off this classic Hollywood beauty look.

Accessories: The Neck Scarf

A neck scarf is the final touch for the Roman Holiday look. You can find adorable vintage silk scarves in virtually every color and pattern imaginable on Etsy, eBay and in your local thrift and vintage shops.

Images: Wikimedia Commons

Related on Ecosalon: 

Think Yourself Beautiful: 10 Best Quotes on True Beauty

Travel to Italy on a Budget? Ask Ecosalon’s Journey Genie

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