There’s nothing more inspiring than a strong female holding her own and pulling off some awesome stunts in the process. Such is the case with rising star Jing Tian’s super-fierce Commander Lin Mei in The Great Wall, where she fights alongside travellers Matt Damon and Pedro Pascal to hold off a swarm of seemingly unstoppable monsters. Inspired by Commander Lin Mei, we pay homage to some of our favourite fierce females.
The Great Wall hits UK cinemas 17th February
Commander Lin Mei, The Great Wall
Jing Tian’s Commander Lin Mei is anything but a damsel in distress. Leader of the Crane Corps, an elite group of aerial warriors tasked with protecting the Great Wall, and China, from a mysterious horde of beasts which emerge every 60 years. Undergoing intensive training and months perfecting martial arts for the role, the payoff is obvious in the awe-inspiring stunts that will leave you breathless. Already known for her action roles in her native China, we cannot wait to see her taking control of Hollywood.
Mystique, X-Men
Dominated by a world of men, superhero films are given a refreshing change with Mystique. Portrayed by Rebecca Romjin in the earlier movies and more recently by Jennifer Lawrence, the iconic blue-skinned, red-haired shapeshifter uses her powers, alongside her wits, to prove she’s a force to be reckoned with. Learning to love and be confident in her true form, she oozes confidence and pride in being different.
Eleven, Stranger Things
Eleven is proof that you can kick some serious ass while still being less than five foot. Hollywood newcomer Millie Bobby-Brown has grabbed everyone’s attention in the critically acclaimed Netflix series, taking on the complex role of the shaved head, telekinetic 12-year-old with a dark and twisted past. Taking on terrifying beasts and grown men who want to lock her up while protecting her friends, she is definitely someone we would want by our side when trouble calls.
Gamora, Guardians of the Galaxy
Zoe Saldana proved once again that she can bewitch us all while playing someone not of earth. Alien assassin and member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Gamora is a trained killer with a complex backstory. Reluctantly joining a force of misfits who end up trying to save the universe, she proves herself to be arguably the most lethal member of the team all while looking super-cool and bright green. If that’s not impressive, we don’t know what is.
Jyn, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Felicity Jones brings us Jyn, the heroine of Rogue One in latest instalment of one of the biggest franchises in film history, Star Wars. Jyn isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to save the galaxy and do what’s right, even if that means breaking some rules. Jyn has inspired a whole new generation of young girls to reach for their lightsabres and fight back, just as Princess Leia did back in 1977.
Make sure you catch fierce female Commander Lin Mei in The Great Wall, when it hits UK cinemas on 17th February