Suffragette showcases a topic not normally discussed in mainstream cinema, taking on the battle of the suffragettes – a group of women in early 20th century Britain challenging the often brutal state in the fight for women’s rights. This is an incredibly powerful film that will shake you to the core, leaving you heartbroken but inspired.
The film follows young mother and wife Maud Watts, who spends the majority of her time working long shifts at the local laundrette. She earns less than her male counterparts while working longer hours, and also has to deal with the sexual harassment from the men around her.
As the word of the suffragettes begins to spread around Britain, we experience Maud’s journey of discovering hope that maybe one day things will be better for women; they will have rights equal to those of men and not be treated like lesser beings. But, of course, it’s not that simple and Suffragette boldly portrays the battle these brave women fought, losing much of their own lives in the process; their jobs, their families and their health.
This is not an easy film to watch as it delves into the brutality they experienced, the vicious beatings of women at protests, their sexual exploitation by men in power, and even force feeding as means of breaking the suffragettes’ will in prison. But these horrible and depressing issues are inspirationally combatted by the strength these women summoned to overcome them, and it leaves you with a feeling of hope and solidarity that other films struggle to achieve.
Carey Mulligan (An Education, Never Let Me Go) surely will receive an Oscar nomination for her extraordinary portrayal of Maud, a working class mother whose struggle sees her thrown out of home by her ashamed husband. We heartbreakingly experience her struggle about leaving her son, yet are inspired by the strength she summons, not just to go on, but to make a difference for a worthy cause. Mulligan captures the gritty courage needed to take on the force of the male-dominated Government, whilst also capturing the tender love of a mother for her son, moving the audience to tears.
Another fantastic actress is the little-known Anne Marie Duff who not only holds her own amongst the famous faces around her, but even outshines them in some scenes. As Violet she is an onscreen force portraying a rough and tough character who regularly speaks her mind and is punished savagely for it.
This film will shake you up, bringing tears to your eyes through despair, frustration and deep sadness, but it will also bring hope that things can change even when it seems impossible. Suffragette is an incredibly powerful film that should be experienced by everyone, honouring the women who fought so hard for simple equalities that we take for granted in our everyday lives.
Reviewed by Georgina Smerd
Twitter: @Georgie_xox
Rating out of 10: 8
Suffragette will screen again on 8 November 2015 for the BBC First British Film Festival, which runs 28 October – 18 November 2015 exclusively at the Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas.
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