2015, a year of strong female lead

London, Nov. 27 : 2015 has been a female-centric year, suggests the polls of leading international film critics.

Taiwanese martial arts film ‘The Assassin,’ which featured Shu Qi as a female killer on a mission to slay corrupt government officials in the 9th century China, topped the list, the Independent reports.

In a recent statement, Adam Smith, senior writer for Empire magazine opined that it was great to see diversity in cinema and equal recognition for women in film.

The magazine’s panel of 168 UK and international film critics also credited high marks to Mad Max: Fury Road – starring Charlize Theron as action hero Imperator Furiosa – and Oscar-tipped lesbian drama Carol, starring Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett.

Other female-driven films in the top 10 were `Cemetery of Splendour`, `45 Years and Amy` and the documentary about singer Amy Winehouse.(ANI)