SUFFRAGETTE (2015)

Sarah Gavron’s film with a screenplay by Abi Morgan based on true life events as they unfolded in early 20th century Britain detailing the early activists of the feminist movement and what sacrifices weremade to achieve their eventual goals. I must say that this is one of the saddest and most depressing films of the year, though I rather enjoyed the many details of the characters’ lives in realistically detailing the living and working conditions of not only lower class women but all women throughout Britain as really second class citizens. Upper class woman who inherited money had to pass on the inheritance to their husbands and really had no say as to how the money was spent and invested. This film centers itself on the life of Maud Watts a working class wife and mother who is beautifully played by Carey Mulligan who sacrifices everything for the betterment of all womankind. She was inspired and fortified by the political activist Emmeline Pankhurst beautifully played in a relatively small role by Meryl Streep. Maud joins a rather diverse group of woman who fight for equality and the right to vote in an increasing prejudicial and male dominated society not eager to relinquish any of it’s power. Beautiful performances are contributed by Anne-Marie Duff, Helena Bonham Carter, Ben Whishaw, Romola Garai and Brendan Gleeson among others.