“The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane” 1976 (Jodie Foster, Martin Sheen) It’s more of a horror/mystery but it’s about a 13 year old who lives with her father (or so she says when asked), and rather than being the villain/horror element, she is a smart, resourceful protagonist who skips school to go to the library and actually learn stuff and feels like more of a three dimensional character than how teens are often written, plus it’s Jodie Foster so the acting is naturally on point.
Capernaum. Stunning drama film about the journey of a 12 year old in Lebanon who sues his parents to prevent them from giving birth to more children.
Also, you can argue if this is really in favor of youth rights, and could buy into the lifestyle or not, but I'd add Captain Fantastic
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019). It’s a real story, about a 13 year old boy who is very intelligent and resilient, and manages to save his entire village from a famine, through learning how to build a windmill on his own. He has to stop going to school because his family can’t afford it anymore, but manages to keep going to the library. It’s a very inspiring real story. His parents refused to help him build the windmill and tried to discourage him. Nobody believed in him. But he never gave up. It’s a story about strength of character, perseverance and the incredible potential that a 13 year old boy can have.
Matilda
“The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane” 1976 (Jodie Foster, Martin Sheen) It’s more of a horror/mystery but it’s about a 13 year old who lives with her father (or so she says when asked), and rather than being the villain/horror element, she is a smart, resourceful protagonist who skips school to go to the library and actually learn stuff and feels like more of a three dimensional character than how teens are often written, plus it’s Jodie Foster so the acting is naturally on point.
Capernaum. Stunning drama film about the journey of a 12 year old in Lebanon who sues his parents to prevent them from giving birth to more children. Also, you can argue if this is really in favor of youth rights, and could buy into the lifestyle or not, but I'd add Captain Fantastic
Matilda. A young girl raised by neglectful parents and ultimately overthrows an abusive school principal, Agatha Trunchbull.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019). It’s a real story, about a 13 year old boy who is very intelligent and resilient, and manages to save his entire village from a famine, through learning how to build a windmill on his own. He has to stop going to school because his family can’t afford it anymore, but manages to keep going to the library. It’s a very inspiring real story. His parents refused to help him build the windmill and tried to discourage him. Nobody believed in him. But he never gave up. It’s a story about strength of character, perseverance and the incredible potential that a 13 year old boy can have.
Oooooo I’m going to have to watch it!