Sunday, February 8, 2009

Iron Jawed Angels

Most of us know that the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote, however, few know the courageous story of how that came to pass. The film, Iron Jawed Angels, is closely based on "second string" suffragists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns who were the front-runners to the movement in the early 1900's.Paul (Oscar winner Hilary Swank, Million Dollar Baby) and Burns (actress Frances O'Connor, Mansfield Park) are beautiful, educated, and ready to inform anyone who will listen to their cause. The two begin campaigning for women's suffrage using modern tactics, such as: marching, pubic speaking, creating controversial leaflets, picketing, and eventually dramatic hunger strikes to get their message heard.

The film is highly stylized and energetic, and has some funky music infused into the soundtrack to give it a modern feel (Sarah McLachlan and Lauryn Hill are just a few to listen for). With wonderful supporting performances by Angelica Huston (Ever After), Julia Ormond (Legends of the Fall), and Patrick Dempsey (Grey's Anatomy), Iron Jawed Angels is an important and enthralling film that every woman must see. "Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity." Happy viewing!

7 comments:

Marie said...

I saw this film in grad school on a professor's recommendation. As with most films, I don't remember many details, but I do remember the tenacity that the women had, even when faced with terrible brutality. How lucky are we that we came after such women fought so hard for us!

TLC said...

Humm...I've never heard of this but it looks like something i MUST watch. Though, I have to admit that the fancy for viewing it, got alittle stronger when the mention of Patrcik Dempsey was stated.
Ha! Plus, I love all the lady actresses mentioned as well.

Suzanne said...

Very Interesting! Will have to check it out! BTW - rented Becoming Jane and I loved it! -Suzanne

Ann Marie said...

When did this come out? Man.. I am out of sync with movies...
It looks very interesting..

As always.. Thanks for the review!

Anonymous said...

Any modern woman who doesn't bother to vote should be tied up and beaten with a stupid stick for taking these amazing women for granted. The price paid was too high for ambivalence...

Anonymous said...

I watched it in grad school as well. Amazing...

It's kind of the untold story. You always hear about Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but that's not the whole story. The actions of these women directly brought about the amendment to the constitution. How could we not have learned about that in grade school??? I have goosebumps just thinking about it!

SARA from IRAN said...

Recently I Watched it on MBC Persia channel.I only can say Thank You,Thank You Very Much-
I'm from IRAN and as you may know Iranian People start a Peaceful Civil Movement which is became famous as "GREEN Civil Movement".this historical movie shows that a peaceful movement can be effective.and it lights another candle of hope for our GREEN movement.
I realy asked all those who are seriousely looking for Improvement in their society just like those GREEN Civil Movement in IRAN wants, those who are against Harshness and Weapons, those are looking for Peace and Liberty, to watch this movie only once, I promise you will eager to watch it again and again.

Thanks again to all Cast and Crew for such an INSPIRING Movie.