Captain Marvel is the first female-led Marvel movie. A fact that makes some people mad but makes many more people really, really happy. It was definitely about time that Marvel featured a woman as the lead of one of their films and hopefully they will continue to feature many other women in central and lead roles.
One great thing about Captain Marvel is how many inspiring and powerful moments there were that women can relate to. We’ve collected a list of 10 of the scenes from Captain Marvel that inspired and spoke to women.
WHEN THE MAN ON THE MOTORBIKE TOLD CAROL TO SMILE
Early on when Carol gets to Earth, she encounters a man on a motorcycle who tries to hit on her and tells her to smile. Many women can relate to being told by random men to do this. Seeing Captain Marvel respond by stealing the man’s motorcycle was definitely a hilarious moment that many women enjoyed seeing.
While stealing probably isn’t something most of us can or should do, it was great to see her not take any crap. Plus, given the online reaction by trolls saying Captain Marvel should smile more, it was a great meta moment, too.
MARIA RAMBEAU TELLS TALOS TO STOP INFANTILIZING HER
Maria Rambeau might be Captain Marvel’s best friend, but she is a hero in her own right. While she didn’t end up with superpowers, she definitely deserves to have them.
When Talos calls her “young lady,” Maria is not all right with that. She reminds him to show her more respect than that and says she will kick his ass if he doesn’t. This was a funny moment that also reminds women of how they deserve to be seen and treated as equals.
WHEN MAR-VELL WAS A POWERFUL LEADER AND SCIENTIST
While we don’t see too much of Mar-Vell in the movie except in a few flashback shots, it’s clear she was a driving force in Captain Marvel’s life and someone who will continue to inspire and shape her.
Mar-Vell was a powerful Kree warrior and talented scientist, and she was also wise and committed to stopping wars instead of continuing to fight them. Her willingness to do the right thing against powerful odds is definitely something that many women can relate to.
WHEN CAROL SHOWED OFF HER HUMOROUS SIDE
Captain Marvel might be an extremely powerful superhero, but she also has a humorous side. Even when she’s up against a tough fight, she knows how to crack a joke and enjoy herself.
This is a coping skill that many women utilize in their everyday lives. Sometimes, you have to laugh through things. Captain Marvel jokes around with Nick Fury, Maria, and many others, showing that she doesn’t always take herself too seriously.
WHEN MARIA RISKED HER LIFE TO HELP SAVE THE WORLD.
In some ways, Maria has even more at stake when she decides to leave earth to help Carol save the Skrulls. As Monica’s only parent, she has her daughter to think about. But, Maria knew that her presence could likely tip the scales to helping Carol be a hero. Maria is definitely a heroic and badass character and an inspiration to many women.
As a mom and a career woman and a hero, Maria is an example of how women often take on many different roles and do so with a lot of talent and skill.
WHEN CAPTAIN MARVEL DISPLAYED ALL OF HER POWER
One of the most cheer-worthy and powerful moments in the film was when Captain Marvel ripped the inhibitor off of her neck and fought against the Supreme Intelligence and then against Star Force.
Her powers are immense, and she is able to show everyone just how strong she is. Many women can relate to this feeling of being inhibited by society or others around him and realizing just how powerful they really are is an exciting and thrilling moment. Seeing this represented on screen was definitely empowering.
HOW CAROL DID THE RIGHT THING AND HELPED THE SKRULLS
One of the things that makes Captain Marvel a hero is her willingness to use her powers and abilities to help others. She isn’t selfish, and she wants to save other people.
Instead of staying on earth and being with the people she cared about, Carol knew she needed to finish Mar-Vell’s mission and help the Skrulls find a home, otherwise, they would likely continue to be hunted and killed by the Kree. Her willingness to help and fight for other people who are vulnerable is a trait that many women understand and relate to.
WHEN CAROL AND MARIA HAD TO WORK HARDER
While not a huge focus of the movie, it is pointed out that Carol and Maria weren’t able to fly combat missions in the Air Force. This is why they would train and fly for Mar-Vell as it gave them a chance to do something that mattered.
These two women are clearly willing to work extremely hard to be given a chance. Most women can relate to the feeling of being underestimated and not seen as equal to men in the workplace, although hopefully, things have gotten somewhat better on that front since 1995.
WHEN CAROL SHOWED SHE WAS MORE POWERFUL THAN ANYONE IMAGINED
Captain Marvel is really powerful, like extremely strong with amazing superpowers. We see in the movie that she’s easily able to dispose of warheads and even take down spaceships like it’s no big deal.
Her abilities will likely make her a huge asset to the Avengers in Endgame, and she will likely play a key role in helping to defeat Thanos. Seeing Captain Marvel be one of the most powerful superheroes ever was definitely an inciting moment for women everywhere.
WHEN CAPTAIN MARVEL HAD NOTHING TO PROVE TO YON-ROGG
Probably the most obvious scene with a feminist element to it was near the end of the movie when Captain Marvel kick’s Yon Rogg ass easily and then sends him back to Hala.
Yon Rogg tries to tell her she’s too emotional and needs to control her emotions, something many women in our world have heard before, too. She responds by showing that she has nothing to prove to him and that he has no power over her anymore.
