This amazing documentary about the women's fight for their independence and for the reproductive rights it is a great learning about the history of feminism movement and of his implications in the current society. Using statements, videos and photos, the doc. shows to his public how have emerged the feminists organizations in the patriarchal society from 1960's. Essential questions, even in the current days, are presented in the historical and social context with seriousness and emotion by the documentary, starting from the most important point of view, of the women who fought for their rights in a time when do not there was any right for this group. Images of speeches and memorable protests builds a scenario of the reality lived for the women in the 60's decade and the courage, brilliance and intelligence of the first feminist group in the USA. Exploring the differences between the many kinds of movements existing in a fight so multiple, the Mary Dore's job explores the fundamental flags of the feminism, like the body rights, the abortion question, the financial equality and equal opportunities, the black feminism and the women's history. All of this presented dynamically, without become tiresome. The documentary brings a hope from a world more egalitarian and more free for the personal decisions, mainly for the women, in a decade where their rights are threatened around the world.
12 Reviews
See this film before you say, "I'm not a feminist, but . . ."
Red-12529 March 2015
She's Beautiful When She's Angry (2014) was directed by Mary Dore.
This is an important documentary movie, because it concerns itself with the feminist movement in the U.S. in the late 1960's and into the 1970's. I lived through this period, so I was familiar with much of the material portrayed. However, today, 40 years later, many people may not realize that what we take for granted had to be fought for meeting by meeting, petition by petition, publication by publication, and demonstration by demonstration. This is an important lesson, especially for people who take what the feminists accomplished for granted.
The film has several premises, and I agree with all of them. One is that women's rights were won by struggle, not given. Another is that you never "win" the battle for any civil rights, including rights for women. Everything you win can be taken away or pushed back, so the struggle has to continue today and, sadly, always.
Another important historical point is that feminists didn't speak with one unified voice. As within any movement, there were disagreements and hostilities. Many of the women who had high profiles in the feminist movement were White and relatively privileged. What about poor women? What about women of color? Women of color had to fight two battles--to be recognized as equal to men, and recognized as equal to White women.
Even in the discussion after the movie, some people felt that the comments made by other people denigrated their own work. It's hard to achieve your goals, and to keep a movement unified, or at least not totally fragmented.
It was interesting to hear interviews with high-profile feminists like Susan Brownmiller and Kate Millett, but the interviews with lesser-known feminists were fascinating as well.
The documentary footage was well chosen and illustrated the topics discussed by the women being interviewed. Production quality was high.
This movie is worth seeing, and I recommend it. We saw it on the large screen at the excellent Little Theatre in Rochester, NY. However, it will work very well on DVD.
This is an important documentary movie, because it concerns itself with the feminist movement in the U.S. in the late 1960's and into the 1970's. I lived through this period, so I was familiar with much of the material portrayed. However, today, 40 years later, many people may not realize that what we take for granted had to be fought for meeting by meeting, petition by petition, publication by publication, and demonstration by demonstration. This is an important lesson, especially for people who take what the feminists accomplished for granted.
The film has several premises, and I agree with all of them. One is that women's rights were won by struggle, not given. Another is that you never "win" the battle for any civil rights, including rights for women. Everything you win can be taken away or pushed back, so the struggle has to continue today and, sadly, always.
Another important historical point is that feminists didn't speak with one unified voice. As within any movement, there were disagreements and hostilities. Many of the women who had high profiles in the feminist movement were White and relatively privileged. What about poor women? What about women of color? Women of color had to fight two battles--to be recognized as equal to men, and recognized as equal to White women.
Even in the discussion after the movie, some people felt that the comments made by other people denigrated their own work. It's hard to achieve your goals, and to keep a movement unified, or at least not totally fragmented.
It was interesting to hear interviews with high-profile feminists like Susan Brownmiller and Kate Millett, but the interviews with lesser-known feminists were fascinating as well.
The documentary footage was well chosen and illustrated the topics discussed by the women being interviewed. Production quality was high.
This movie is worth seeing, and I recommend it. We saw it on the large screen at the excellent Little Theatre in Rochester, NY. However, it will work very well on DVD.
I'm not a feminist, but this is a wonderful documentary
korpake14 June 2016
I'm not a feminist in the modern sense, but as a lover of history I really enjoyed this documentary. Such wonderful stories about the origins of the feminist movement in the US.
I find it interesting how random groups of women worked together for change and achieved it. I loved how it showed the movement as divided and no a single idea, but various conflicting groups of women who never gave up.
At no point did I feel like someone was pushing an agenda or opinion or trying to convince me of anything, it was just people sharing stories.
Western women today owe so much to these women and they probably don't even realize it. The last 5 minutes got boring for me, but I guess its relevant as a call to arms for women.
Very well made film, I can't find much fault with it.
I find it interesting how random groups of women worked together for change and achieved it. I loved how it showed the movement as divided and no a single idea, but various conflicting groups of women who never gave up.
At no point did I feel like someone was pushing an agenda or opinion or trying to convince me of anything, it was just people sharing stories.
Western women today owe so much to these women and they probably don't even realize it. The last 5 minutes got boring for me, but I guess its relevant as a call to arms for women.
Very well made film, I can't find much fault with it.
Feature length documentary of the radical feminist movement in US from the early 1960's to the mid-1970's
piedaterre16 July 2014
This film is not only a comprehensive history of a powerful and multifaceted movement in the not-too-distant past, it is a call to action. For young people, in particular, who came of age in times when job postings are no longer segregated by gender, when woman-centric health information and health services are (slightly) more accessible, when women with careers were not (always) denounced, this film offers a peek at what life was like for women before the mid-1960's and helps us understand the origins of the concept of gender equality that many of us take for granted. We are also reminded that much of what was won decades ago is once again in jeopardy.
There are clips from mass marches, meetings, poetry readings, and consciousness-raising sessions. The filmmakers interviewed many women who became the face of feminism and these women's reflections upon how the movement developed, what issues and what actions galvanized the activism of the time, are passionate, often profound, and sometimes very funny.
The film does not shy away from the reality that the feminist movement was complicated and messy. The internal political divisions, the divisions of geography, race and class, and the almost casual homophobia, are all exposed and examined. The film is ultimately a celebration of the diversity, creativity, intelligence, and fortitude of these early feminists who continue to inspire us to take up struggle for women's rights in the Twenty-First Century.
There are clips from mass marches, meetings, poetry readings, and consciousness-raising sessions. The filmmakers interviewed many women who became the face of feminism and these women's reflections upon how the movement developed, what issues and what actions galvanized the activism of the time, are passionate, often profound, and sometimes very funny.
The film does not shy away from the reality that the feminist movement was complicated and messy. The internal political divisions, the divisions of geography, race and class, and the almost casual homophobia, are all exposed and examined. The film is ultimately a celebration of the diversity, creativity, intelligence, and fortitude of these early feminists who continue to inspire us to take up struggle for women's rights in the Twenty-First Century.
A documentary about the women's movement in the 60's.
ssfmas-116 July 2014
This is a wonderful, exciting new film about the women's movement in the sixties. This film brought back the fight for women's equality through important historic film clips and interviews and music. Much of these events took place more than 50 years ago and the film shows many of the women then and now. The current interviews and takes on the movement are as compelling as the originals. This is a film that should not be missed, especially if you missed it (the movement) the first time around. The film focuses mainly on how this grass roots movement started by small groups of women and quickly spread throughout the country and to all ages and social groups. There was a section on how "our Bodies, Our Selves" came about.
Powerful depiction of the 60's Women's right movement
sfeldheim16 July 2014
An entertaining, as well as informative film. Seeing the issue through the eyes of the women who were part of the genesis, as well as in the forefront of the movement was emotionally evocative.
A great film for anyone who lived through this era, regardless of your gender or political leanings.
It describes the hardships, and hurdles that women had to endure to acquire some semblance of equality. At the same time, informing us that there is still much to do, as women's rights are being eroded in our current political climate.
The era was brought to life via film clips of marches and speeches form the 60's, supporting the interviews.
As a kicker, the musical score was excellent.
A great film for anyone who lived through this era, regardless of your gender or political leanings.
It describes the hardships, and hurdles that women had to endure to acquire some semblance of equality. At the same time, informing us that there is still much to do, as women's rights are being eroded in our current political climate.
The era was brought to life via film clips of marches and speeches form the 60's, supporting the interviews.
As a kicker, the musical score was excellent.
Amazing powerful documentary
seiersenwhite11 April 2020
This is a documentary of women's rights
The story of feminisms, women's studies and social outrage
The movement that started in the 60's -70's with an Echo in the past and the fight for a better future
It re lives what has happened, what has been gained and lost- a reminder which is even more important today that no one can forget the importance of gender equality (specially for younger people who need to learn that generations before them have suffered and fought for justice)
A thoughtful documentary
proud_luddite11 November 2018
A documentary chronicles the Women's Liberation movement in the U.S in the late 1960s and the early 1970s.
There are many strengths in this film. The best include interviews with over twenty likeable women who were part of the movement in its heyday. The vintage photos and TV clips can leave one nostalgic for an era that had much fire in its heart compared to the long era of materialism that followed (and still lingers).
The film is well structured in its discussions of the many issues involved which include low wages, the lack of job opportunities, rape, abortion, health issues, sexuality, and childcare.
The fairness in this film is also admirable. It is honest about the movement's extremities in its later years. Also, after revealing the marginalization of women in the New Left, anti-war movement, it's also later revealed how black women, lesbians, and poor women also felt marginalized within the wider women's movement. More coverage could still have been given, however, regarding the poor and working-class. There is an interview with a woman of a working-class background but she talks of her experience at UCLA - a situation that would be very rare for most women in the working class.
While this film is a good chronicle of events in the U.S., it could have paid attention to feminist movements in other countries. A sore point is a reference to a recent protest movement that began in Toronto. If the event had begun in a U.S. city, there's little doubt the city would have been mentioned.
Despite the U.S-centric tone, this movie is a worthwhile experience especially with the reminder of what can happen when like-minded people get together and learn that they are not alone and that others share the same experience. It's much like the Margaret Mead quote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." And as the film reiterates, "The personal is political."
There are many strengths in this film. The best include interviews with over twenty likeable women who were part of the movement in its heyday. The vintage photos and TV clips can leave one nostalgic for an era that had much fire in its heart compared to the long era of materialism that followed (and still lingers).
The film is well structured in its discussions of the many issues involved which include low wages, the lack of job opportunities, rape, abortion, health issues, sexuality, and childcare.
The fairness in this film is also admirable. It is honest about the movement's extremities in its later years. Also, after revealing the marginalization of women in the New Left, anti-war movement, it's also later revealed how black women, lesbians, and poor women also felt marginalized within the wider women's movement. More coverage could still have been given, however, regarding the poor and working-class. There is an interview with a woman of a working-class background but she talks of her experience at UCLA - a situation that would be very rare for most women in the working class.
While this film is a good chronicle of events in the U.S., it could have paid attention to feminist movements in other countries. A sore point is a reference to a recent protest movement that began in Toronto. If the event had begun in a U.S. city, there's little doubt the city would have been mentioned.
Despite the U.S-centric tone, this movie is a worthwhile experience especially with the reminder of what can happen when like-minded people get together and learn that they are not alone and that others share the same experience. It's much like the Margaret Mead quote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." And as the film reiterates, "The personal is political."
Orchestrated beautifully, organized with care.
littleprepgirl19 October 2016
She's Beautiful When She's Angry (2014) directed by Mary Dore, an award winning documentary producer, is an utterly fabulous piece of feminist art that ought to be seen by women everywhere. This documentary was orchestrated beautifully and organized with clear care. Passion will flow directly from the film into your bloodstream with every clip, interview and image. Based on a reflection and retelling of the 1960s American women's activism, the film documents a crucial time in American history. Brimming with interviews of originals and leaders in the movement, the film is powerful and honest. From the beginning, the viewer can sense the fearless, ballsy attitude that embodied each Movement Woman and their continued enthusiasm is contagious.
The opening scene begins with a slide stating that many states are restricting women's access to reproductive health care, meaning birth control and abortion. The scene then flips to a current-day women's health care rally where a woman is addressing an audience. She says to the crowd, "Women's health care is being tossed around like a football, the argument has been over for a very long time, to have the right to choose. We should be mad, Are you mad?" The crowd erupts in affirmation. Directly after this we see an interview with an older woman warning that if we don't continue to pay attention the rug will be ripped from beneath us. The film goes on to describe in detail what it would have been like to live as a women in the 1960s, the oppression, the fear, the passion, and at last, the anger. A series of personal stories, experiences and explanations are shared by real 1960s Movement Women which help to paint the scene of their lives and how the time changed them personally. Dore did an amazing job of capturing the feeling of empowerment by also including original footage of protest walks, support meetings and even interviews of men during the time, dogging the movement.
By flipping from original photos, footage, and interviews, the film keeps the audience engaged. The use of shocking facts and stories caused my stomach to clench and roll at the audacity and out right ignorant discrimination coming at women from many men, most in positions of authority. In the plainest of terms, the creators of She's Beautiful When She's Angry cared. As simple as that, this issue, this process, the success of the woman's rights movement truly mattered and the film is steeped in their firm belief in this cause. Every shot and interview contained more earnest passion and vitality than anything I have viewed to date and gave me a whole new perspective of the term "feminism".
In the end, though I would not consider myself a feminist, this film is truly powerful and informative. It shows that the roots of feminism were deeply grounded in real issues and active discrimination upon women of that time. Its purpose is to warn and remind women that the fight for our rights is an unending battle. As soon as women grow docile in the fight, our rights will begin to dwindle. Proof of this shown in the film is the issue of birth control and abortion. Forty years ago women were given the right to choose what was best for our bodies, yet now the question is being raised again and that fact is clearly upsetting to both the Movement Women and the creators of this film. Both entertaining and informative, woman must watch She's Beautiful When She's Angry in order to further their knowledge of how we developed into the powerful parts of society that we are today. This film will send chills down your arms and passion through your spirit.
The opening scene begins with a slide stating that many states are restricting women's access to reproductive health care, meaning birth control and abortion. The scene then flips to a current-day women's health care rally where a woman is addressing an audience. She says to the crowd, "Women's health care is being tossed around like a football, the argument has been over for a very long time, to have the right to choose. We should be mad, Are you mad?" The crowd erupts in affirmation. Directly after this we see an interview with an older woman warning that if we don't continue to pay attention the rug will be ripped from beneath us. The film goes on to describe in detail what it would have been like to live as a women in the 1960s, the oppression, the fear, the passion, and at last, the anger. A series of personal stories, experiences and explanations are shared by real 1960s Movement Women which help to paint the scene of their lives and how the time changed them personally. Dore did an amazing job of capturing the feeling of empowerment by also including original footage of protest walks, support meetings and even interviews of men during the time, dogging the movement.
By flipping from original photos, footage, and interviews, the film keeps the audience engaged. The use of shocking facts and stories caused my stomach to clench and roll at the audacity and out right ignorant discrimination coming at women from many men, most in positions of authority. In the plainest of terms, the creators of She's Beautiful When She's Angry cared. As simple as that, this issue, this process, the success of the woman's rights movement truly mattered and the film is steeped in their firm belief in this cause. Every shot and interview contained more earnest passion and vitality than anything I have viewed to date and gave me a whole new perspective of the term "feminism".
In the end, though I would not consider myself a feminist, this film is truly powerful and informative. It shows that the roots of feminism were deeply grounded in real issues and active discrimination upon women of that time. Its purpose is to warn and remind women that the fight for our rights is an unending battle. As soon as women grow docile in the fight, our rights will begin to dwindle. Proof of this shown in the film is the issue of birth control and abortion. Forty years ago women were given the right to choose what was best for our bodies, yet now the question is being raised again and that fact is clearly upsetting to both the Movement Women and the creators of this film. Both entertaining and informative, woman must watch She's Beautiful When She's Angry in order to further their knowledge of how we developed into the powerful parts of society that we are today. This film will send chills down your arms and passion through your spirit.
necessary history lessons
aidensmomma-6146813 May 2022
Wonder why the feminist movement ran out of steam and didn't get all of their full measure of rights? This explains a lot. Inspiring you to go back out and push for whats right. The misogynistic diatribe anytime anyone even speaks about feminism is so trite.
Where are black voices
keturahthompson-9599017 August 2020
Good documentary, but we still have a lot to fight for
mafiagirl-2143127 July 2023
In a way, it was frustrating for me to watch this documentary since as we all know, Roe v Wade got overturned, forced pregnancy is legal in some places, the gender pay gap still exist, so does the pink tax, everyday sexism and so much more awful things women have to deal with.
But at the same time i can appreciate how far we've come (for the most part), i also like that lesbians and women of color were included, and they did take account of the fact that the fight wasn't over by the end of it and how we still got ways to go.
It's a really good watch, while i didn't learn *that* much i still thought it was pretty educational ( if only anti-feminists were open minded enough to try watcing it ) and also i have to admit that i almost cried and it's not because it was extremely sad or dramatic or anything but... i don't know, it's not really fun to hear what women went through and still goes through in many parts of the world, but anyways, i love women and hope we can still make progress in the future.
But at the same time i can appreciate how far we've come (for the most part), i also like that lesbians and women of color were included, and they did take account of the fact that the fight wasn't over by the end of it and how we still got ways to go.
It's a really good watch, while i didn't learn *that* much i still thought it was pretty educational ( if only anti-feminists were open minded enough to try watcing it ) and also i have to admit that i almost cried and it's not because it was extremely sad or dramatic or anything but... i don't know, it's not really fun to hear what women went through and still goes through in many parts of the world, but anyways, i love women and hope we can still make progress in the future.
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