Opening 4 Feb 2016
Directed by:
Sarah Gavron
Writing credits:
Abi Morgan
Principal actors:
Carey Mulligan, Anne-Marie Duff, Helena Bonham Carter, Meryl Streep
Concentrating on a small group of women in London around 1912, the film by Sarah Gavron manages to depict the earnestness of the entire Suffragette movement in England at the time. Maud Watts (Carey Mulligan) is a laundress who works under deplorable conditions. Although she has not yet decided to be a formal member of the Suffragette movement, she is chosen to describe her working life to MP Lloyd George at the House of Commons. In spite of her articulate speech and the many uproars and protests by longtime Suffragettes, the bill to give women equal rights and the right to vote is not passed. Their inspirational leader Emmeline Pankhurst (Meryl Streep) is forced to keep out of the limelight but is well represented by Edith Ellyn (Helena Bonham Carter) and other strong, dedicated women. As she gains passion for the cause, Maud loses the right to see her child, is imprisoned, and goes on hunger strike, but she forges on until an incident at the Derby causes the movement to be noticed worldwide, which finally earns women the right to vote. This chapter in women's history is definitely not just for women. It should be required viewing by all. (Thelma Freedman)
