Movies

Yes I have a few weekly film openers for you, including the engaging drama “A Perfect Day.” But there is such a shortage this week that it’s the perfect time to fill in the void with a look at the latest stats and outcry over the white, male domination of the film business.

My only criterion is this; what was so good I simply could not possibly leave it out. But as it turns out, many on my list boast strong, proactive female characters. And there’s no gratuitous violence.

Mainly, I’m looking back on a bounty of roles for actresses. But real women were also the subject matter of a trio of documentaries about Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse and Nina Simone. See as many of these standouts from the year as you can.

This drama raises vital questions about women’s relationships. Also opening today, Dec. 11, is “The Girl in the Book,” with a bit of a contrived plot but strong performances.

Her performance alone makes this movie a major must-see. Read on for more about other Dec. 4 openers, including Spike Lee’s liberal adaptation of “Lysistrata” to the murderous world of Chicago today.

This documentary will make you a fan of the famous Janis Joplin, if you aren’t already. Other Nov. 27 film openers to look out for include “The Danish Girl,” an unusual love story based on the lives of two Danish artists, and the documentary “Killing Them Safely.”

This beautiful, socially relevant film simply must be seen. I’m also recommending “Carol,” a love story between two women that may be the vehicle that drives stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara to the Oscars, also opening Nov. 20.

This truth-based drama about 33 Chilean miners trapped in a collapsed mine is terrific. So are other Nov. 13 openers, including “Mia Madre” and “James White.” But steer clear of the sadly self-indulgent “By the Sea” and “Love the Coopers,” a comedy that falls flat.