For younger viewers, it may be hard to imagine a time when women—50% of the population—were not only denied the right to vote but also were considered a husband's property (along with any children). In 1912, after 50 years of peaceful protest, London's militant Women's Social and Political Union encouraged women in subversive acts of civil disobedience, endangering property, but never human life. Although harassed laundry plant worker Maud Watts (Carey Mulligan) wasn't a suffragette, she's caught in a street skirmish, where she recognizes a co-worker, Violet Miller (Anne-Marie Duff), among the spirited agitators. Spotted by the police, meek Maud becomes a suspect, persecuted by skeptical Inspector Arthur Steed (Brendan Gleeson) and his boorish cohorts, which causes distress not only to her but also her husband/co-worker (Ben Whishaw) and their young son after she is imprisoned. Chanting “Deeds, not words,” Maud's subsequent struggle is inspired and encouraged by pharmacist Edith Ellyn (Helena Bonham Carter) and upper-class Alice Houghton (Romola Garai), who galvanize exploited working-class women to join the movement. Astutely directed by Sarah Gavron, this historical drama layered with gritty, atmospheric authenticity benefits from a subtly ferocious and uncompromising performance by Mulligan, as well as a fine cameo by Meryl Streep as a defiant Emmeline Pankhurst. During the credits, a list of dates are offered when various countries granted voting rights to women, concluding with Saudi Arabia, where women's rights have been promised but still not granted. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Sarah Gavron and writer Abi Morgan, the behind-the-scenes featurettes “Inside Suffragette” (11 min.), “Looking Back, Looking Forward” (7 min.), and “Making the VFX” (5 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus digital and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a stirring historical drama.] (S. Granger)
This title is included in our article on teaching historical and current events using film