In the tradition of the musical biopic recently rejuvenated by Bohemian Rhapsody, I Am Woman looks at the life and career of Helen REDDY, the Australian singer behind the song that became a feminist anthem. Under the careful eye of US-based, Australia-raised, director Unjoo MOON, Tilda Cobham-HERVEY offers a memorable portrayal of a woman who moves on from being a struggling single mother in New York with singing ambitions to find international success. Resemblances between this true story and the evocative fictions of the frequently recycled Hollywood classic A Star is Born, indicate that drug-addled charmers can still impede a woman’s progress, but such men needn’t be a total roadblock. Those unfamiliar with Reddy’s back catalogue of number one hits will be introduced to a treasure trove of outstanding songs, but MOON’s sumptuous-looking film also documents how changes in a person’s life can lead to worldwide political transformations. (Russell EDWARDS)