Last night I watched Iron Jawed Angels by HBO Films. It has a great script, powerful acting and good direction. Hillary Swank as feminist pioneer Alice Paul is stunning and easily matched her Oscar winning turn in Boys Don't Cry.
Seriously, this is an important movie that should be getting more attention at this pivotal moment in American politics. We need depictions of the sacrifices that were made for the civil rights that some are so willing to give up because an authority figure tells them that it is the "right" thing to do at this time. Every right we have has been bought with the bloody sacrifice of those who refused to be silenced, exploited and ignored any longer. No one gives us those rights--each right was bought by lives, blood, tears and sacrifice. This movie speaks powerfully to the current situation of a post 9/11 society of quietism and intimidation.
If you do not know who Alice Paul and Lucy Burns were and their importance in the battle for the right of American women to vote, then go get this movie right now--if you do know who they were, then you probably have already seen it! These women demonstrated courage and strength--their radical stance was demonized and mocked--they faced brutal attacks and intimidation--they did not back down!
Biography of Alice Paul
Alice Paul's Fight For Suffrage
Lucy Burns
Official HBO Site
Director's Site
League of Women Voters' Promotion
Alice Paul Continues to Inspire New Generation of Activists
National Organization for Women
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