Coming out of seeing Birds of Prey And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn, one would not expect that the films message of women empowerment would resonate in such an effective way, because it was delivered in such a low key fashion that you wouldn’t even notice it. It was not “in your face” nor was it “too preachy”, it was just there for you to take in, while being wholly entertained and having a grand time.
As a woman I was able to relate to a lot scenes in the movie, which depicted women being abused physically, emotionally or even just being in a toxic relationship. A very specific example, is in the workplace, where all the credit is taken from a hard working woman, just because she is a woman in a male dominated field.
The film also touched on the concept of a woman “belonging” to a man, from Harley’s abusive relationship to the Joker and subsequently handing over the reins to a “new, aspiring Joker” and yet, all these instances of abuse are trumped by an unlikely group of girls who come together to show these men not to mess with ladies seeking emancipation.
After Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) makes a statement that she and “Mistah Jay” (The Joker)-whom the film manages to portray as a cartoon and in drawings, are officially done and thus her chance to finally be her own woman, she seems to find herself falling into the clutches of another man-Roman Sionis/Black Mask (Ewan McGregor) -she just traded one abusive relationship for another.
When “Suicide Squad” came out a few years ago, there was so much love for the Harley Quinn character (just check out that year’s Halloween costumes and see the number of different Harleys) yet the comeback would be “Why would you want to emulate Harley, since she was in an abusive relationship?” – BOP seems to re-write this narrative with a sensibly dressed Harley, she says good bye to the (super) short ‘Suicide Squad’ shorts, but still keeps the ‘Daddy’s Little Monster’ top (for sentimental value), who is out to claim her own independence. And while trying to be her own woman, complete with getting her own pet Hyena, named Bruce (after that ‘hunky’ Wayne guy) things hit the fan, as they often do. And Harley must fight for that independence she so desperately seeks, along the way she meets fellow ladies, also seeking some of the same things in life, freedom, revenge, you know the usual things.
Hilarious, action-driven and a refreshing take on the comic book narrative, Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn is an insane, fun ride, best enjoyed with friends.
Not your typical girls night out film, as this comic book all female-led flick is crazy, fun, a bit violent- (its rated R-16) and absolutely bonkers. The fight sequences, stunts and choreography are all jaw dropping amazing! Thanks to the same folks behind John Wick, Margot Robbie as the undisputed Harley Quinn is so impressive in these scenes that she should be registered as a lethal weapon. She’s practically her own army! PS. I love that Harley keeps reminding people that she has a PhD and she even uses some of it in the movie.