As a seasoned gamer and history enthusiast, I’ve always found it fascinating to delve into the stories of those who dared to challenge the status quo. The women’s suffrage movement is one such tale that has left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. These films are not just historical dramas but living testaments to the resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit of these incredible women.
From observing remarkable films during Women’s History Month, you’ve likely realized that women have played significant roles in human history. It might surprise you to know that there was once a period when women were not granted the right to vote. This all changed thanks to the efforts of brave activists known as suffragettes. Here are five essential films to educate yourself about the trailblazing women who advocated for voting rights.
Suffragette (2015)
In the film “Suffragette,” Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter take a stand, portraying characters immersed in the 1912 women’s rights movement in the United Kingdom. This movie marks one of the first films shot inside the Houses of Parliament. Mulligan’s character is a 24-year-old laundress who unwittingly joins a suffragette demonstration, eventually becoming an active participant in the movement. Her actions are inspired by real-life figures such as Edith Ellyn, Emily Davidson, and Emmeline Pankhurst, played by Meryl Streep.
Let me express that this historical drama was tough to endure due to the harrowing depictions of the difficulties faced by women, such as marital conflicts, imprisonment, and forced feeding – all in their pursuit of the right to vote, a privilege enjoyed by men at the time. Their methods might have been considered radical or extreme. However, their objectives were sincere, serving to disseminate the message of gender equality and persisting unwaveringly despite the government’s efforts to hinder them. In retrospect, those challenging periods served as stepping stones towards the advantages women now enjoy.
Iron Jawed Angels (2004)
During the 1910s in the United States, the film “Iron Jawed Angels” chronicles the real-life events surrounding Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, two close friends who spearheaded the National Women’s Party to achieve women’s suffrage. They endured various hardships, including brutal treatment during their detentions and made personal sacrifices in pursuit of their cause.
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but appreciate the electrifying camaraderie between Hilary Swank and Frances O’Connor, embodying an unbreakable friendship that no one would dare challenge as they stood strong for a noble cause. And let me tell you, Vera Farmiga truly shined in this film, captivating us all with her portrayal of Ruza Wenclawska, a Polish-American suffragist whose character was unforgettable.
The film “Iron Jawed Angels,” while incorporating some fictional aspects such as the love story between Alice and Ben, powerfully emphasized the significance of women being heard in politics, a theme that resonates even today. This historical drama also spotlighted the contributions of Black suffragettes who tirelessly advocated for their rights to be recognized and their voices to be amplified. Back then, women understood that to effect change in oppressive working conditions and secure fair wages, they had to unite under the banner of the National Woman’s Party and stand firm so that their perspectives could carry equal weight with those of men.
Black Sorority Project (2006)
As a gamer, I’d say: I recently got hooked on a fascinating documentary called the Black Sorority Project, produced by Derek & Jamar Productions. This captivating film tells the story of 22 Black women from Howard University who marched in the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Parade. The narrative is woven together using historical photographs and reenactments, providing a glimpse into the struggles these female students faced at the predominantly Black university. Their issues revolved around racism and sexism, which they believed could be addressed through the power of voting.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Black women faced harmful racial prejudices that portrayed them as uneducated and incapable of working roles beyond domestic services. Following President Woodrow Wilson’s reinstatement of segregation in Washington D.C.’s public buildings, students at Howard University found motivation in successful entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker to establish Delta Sigma Theta, an organization with a strong commitment to community service and social advocacy.
In spite of being shunned, these women were among the 5,000 suffragists who walked side by side in the parade, striving for the right to cast their votes. Their significant presence during that march had a profound effect on Black women and all women collectively.
The Divine Order (2017)
In contrast to many other countries during the 19th and early 20th centuries where women gained voting rights, Switzerland took much longer. As depicted in the comedy-drama, “The Divine Order“, a homemaker married in 1971 found her inspiration to spearhead the women’s suffrage movement. This single movement initially sought to give women a voice in politics but ultimately influenced how women were treated overall. As women began asserting their independence and individuality against societal norms created by men, this significant movement brought about substantial changes in a small Swiss village following the 1971 referendum.
As a captivated spectator, I must confess that Nora, skillfully portrayed by Marie Leuenberger, truly steals the show. This character has been an ardent supporter of the women’s movement, yet she had always hesitated to speak up. However, witnessing the stirrings of change in her Swiss farming village, with protests echoing through its streets, ignited a spark within her. She grew weary of the subjugation women faced at the hands of their husbands and recognized that the right to vote was merely the first step towards female empowerment.
She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry (2014)
Although women were granted the right to vote in various regions worldwide, there remained numerous struggles that women couldn’t afford to overlook. The documentary titled “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” highlights the activism and movements led by women during the ’60s and ‘70s, striving for recognition and respect within society.
Using a blend of historical footage and conversations with activists from that era, we uncover the resilience women demonstrated during their marches for reproductive rights, sexual liberation, and equal pay. They also shed light on previously taboo topics, such as challenging the victim-blaming culture surrounding sexual assault, thereby encouraging more people to speak openly about their experiences.
As a passionate advocate, I can’t help but reflect on how significantly the women’s suffrage movement shone in the finale of “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry.” The film powerfully depicted activists uniting for the 1970 Women’s Strike for Equality, marking the 50th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. This historic milestone served as a beacon, inspiring women to keep fighting for change throughout the years, ensuring their needs were addressed and met.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement was groundbreaking for women and the nation as a whole. These movies represent so many life-altering challenges the female population tirelessly went through to ensure everyone, regardless of sex, had a voice in policies. Must-watch movies like the ones mentioned show the courage, resilience, and sacrifices that female activists made in the face of oppression, inspiring women generations after to fight for other causes worthy of attention. You can add these female empowerment films to your streaming schedule on YouTube, Tubi, or with your Max subscription.
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2024-08-25 16:37