I've seen quite a few negative reviews about it being "too woke" or "playing too much to their target audience." Of course if you simply don't like it, then that's fine. To each their own. But for those throwing tantrums regarding the women-focused storyline or claim to have been force-fed an agenda, I can only assume two things: you don't know your history and this is exactly the film you need to pay attention to.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the first film, I felt a lack of emotional connection and was left wanting more. This one caught me by surprise by following the historic events of the Match Stick Girls. I was lucky enough to grow up in a household with two sisters that emphasized standing up for yourself, and for what you believe in, so I learned about the Match Stick Girls (look it up) many years ago and have always found the story so beautifully tragic and empowering at the same time. I've always been surprised that there wasn't really any documentary or movie easily access that followed this important part in history especially, for young women. This movie all of a sudden gave me a visual representation of all the emotions and feelings I've been feeling for years toward the story I've been hearing for decades. I never understood why this point in history wasn't taught more in schools - not just for women's education, but also for awareness on unhealthy working conditions, corruption, and simply fighting for what's right.
Sure, there were some added elements to the film but like it said at the beginning, all the important parts were true. And sure, I may have changed some things within the other storylines, but all in all, I was in tears as the credits rolled, because while I never had to work in a factory that threatened my life on a regular basis, I do, in fact, know what it's like to have to prove myself as a self-sufficient, smart, and respected woman to men on a regular basis.
Now I'm sure there are plenty of people reading. This review rolling their eyes, but I'm willing to bet that there are plenty of women reading this review not in their heads an agreement because I feel the same way. And that's exactly why I love this movie so much. It's easy to feel isolated and alone as a woman in this world but this movie was a beautiful reminder, that we are never alone in our frustrations, fears, and trauma. While many of you are rolling your eyes at this film and this review completely missing the point, I'll be smiling with tears in my eyes reminded that I'm not alone.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the first film, I felt a lack of emotional connection and was left wanting more. This one caught me by surprise by following the historic events of the Match Stick Girls. I was lucky enough to grow up in a household with two sisters that emphasized standing up for yourself, and for what you believe in, so I learned about the Match Stick Girls (look it up) many years ago and have always found the story so beautifully tragic and empowering at the same time. I've always been surprised that there wasn't really any documentary or movie easily access that followed this important part in history especially, for young women. This movie all of a sudden gave me a visual representation of all the emotions and feelings I've been feeling for years toward the story I've been hearing for decades. I never understood why this point in history wasn't taught more in schools - not just for women's education, but also for awareness on unhealthy working conditions, corruption, and simply fighting for what's right.
Sure, there were some added elements to the film but like it said at the beginning, all the important parts were true. And sure, I may have changed some things within the other storylines, but all in all, I was in tears as the credits rolled, because while I never had to work in a factory that threatened my life on a regular basis, I do, in fact, know what it's like to have to prove myself as a self-sufficient, smart, and respected woman to men on a regular basis.
Now I'm sure there are plenty of people reading. This review rolling their eyes, but I'm willing to bet that there are plenty of women reading this review not in their heads an agreement because I feel the same way. And that's exactly why I love this movie so much. It's easy to feel isolated and alone as a woman in this world but this movie was a beautiful reminder, that we are never alone in our frustrations, fears, and trauma. While many of you are rolling your eyes at this film and this review completely missing the point, I'll be smiling with tears in my eyes reminded that I'm not alone.