EAST HANDSHAKES WEST: THE STEREOTYPE RESISTANCE THROUGH THE LENS OF TWO FEMALE CHARACTERS IN PEREMPUAN TANAH JAHANAM (2019) AND ENOLA HOLMES (2020)

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the female resistance presented by two female characters in two different
movies, Enola Holmes (2020) and Perempuan Tanah Jahanam (2019). The female characters that are
observed are Enola Holmes from Enola Holmes (2020) and Maya in Perempuan Tanah Jahanam (2019).
This research used intersectional feminist theory by Crenshaw (1989), the theory of characterization by
Boggs and Petrie (2008), and the theory of Symbolic Interactionism by Mead (1994). The research employs
observation theory and uses four techniques for collecting data: watching, note-taking, selecting, and
comparing. Further, it used a qualitative method to analyze the data and formal and informal methods to
present the findings. The research shows there are principal differences in how female characters in
Western and Eastern cultures express their act of stereotype resistance with their masculinity traits through
interactions with other characters and with their societies. On the other hand, there is a fine line in seeing
the interconnection between them. The research concludes that the society’s ideology and boundaries
influenced female characters’ methods in exposing their resistance to stereotypes. The societal stereotype
becomes an influential aspect in how the interaction is built by these female characters with others, as well
as their society. All of this effort implemented by women is to achieve gender equality.