Call Jane

Call Jane is a must watch. Not necessarily because it is the best film around, but because it is so vitally important given the state of the world today.

It is hard not to be very emotionally stirred by this tale of courageous women taking control of their own bodies and their futures in the face of oppression.

The central performance from Elizabeth Banks is very engaging, playing a character that it is easy to sympathise with and connect to.

The story is engaging and well told, if not overly flashy.

I do think certain elements of the film could have been explored and developed more, and it could have been a bit more punchy in parts.

But still, given the state of the world and the ridiculous oppression of women's bodies, it is hard to ignore the importance of a film like this.

It's actually pretty impressive how well balanced this movie is about the subject. Just when you thought it was going to take just one side to the subject of abortion, a new shoe is dropped to show how multilayered and diverse this manner is. Basically, no woman left behind or taken out of the equation.

That would be impressive just for a contemporary movie, yet alone one set in the 1960s.

Plus, in my opinion it went through the medical details of an abortion fairly. Meaning they just explained the procedure without guiding you anyway. I've seen content that is supposed to be pro chose purposely, make the whole process look more frightening than it needs to. This movie was just trying to shed some much-needed light on the subject.

I can't recall a better work of political art than this movie. I feel like the filmmakers deserve a thanks.

If you are looking for an entertaining movie mostly, you will be disappointed probably, but if you have an open mind and appreciate the input that movies can and do provide for expanding one's understanding of life's great challenges, then you should not be disappointed. That along with this review's headline is my conclusion, upfront.

Firstly, the IMDb synopsis and especially the storyline further below it will provide you sufficient information to decide if you want to see this movie. I was swayed mostly by the three lead actors whose names usually will make me consider watching the movies in which they perform, namely Sigourney Weaver, Chris Messina and the lead actor also, Elizabeth Banks. It is not any of those three's best performances, in my opinion, but the characters they play and their situation or the circumstances depicted may be the factors that made me immerse myself in the period, 50 years ago, and especially in the battle they fought, the one for women's right to an abortion. I've been, in principle, always a supporter of the cause and for the rights. The movie gave however something more than justification, it gave me the feeling that made my reasons for supporting the cause more human and definitely more real. I can only imagine how this movie will make women viewers feel, as I am but a man. I'm serious because the story was a serious one and still the fight for those rights are serious today, in America without a doubt.

In June of this year, 2022, America got a shot to its perceived rights, well they were not so 'acquired' anymore, when the Supreme Court overturned the defining 1973 landmark decision we all know as Roe vs Wade. It was a setback that justifiably angered most women and anyone really supportive of the needed rights. I will repeat the word 'need' and 'needed' because it was what this movie allowed me to appreciate with greater sensitivity. The story of the women in the movie is no different than the actual circumstances that existed then, exist today and always will. The story paints that picture well enough, not like a photograph but perhaps like a Van Gogh painting might to the discerning eye.

It may or not change some minds, but it's the best source for a getting a perspective called for, one beyond simply believing in a principle but understanding a need. The movie was released in Oct-2022 after the Dobbs case proceedings, the one the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in June 2022; it was fair timing for the release which many, I read, wanted released sooner, not that it would have made a difference. The movie however reinforced the ensuing political debates before US midterm elections. Movies such as this one are part of what makes cinema a valued art, even when it's not Oscar material. After seeing the movie online, I was compelled to write a review; I would be thrilled if it convinced anyone, one would be good, to watch it in turn.

Some may call this film timely as the issue of abortion is always a hot topic the theme is touchy however no matter how you see or feel about the issue this film "Call Jane" was an interesting drama film to see about a group of determined ladies.

Set back in the 1960's when most abortions were not legal it involved a housewife Joy(the wonderful Elizabeth Banks) who becomes pregnant however her own health is at risk and still her doctor is of no help. So she finds about an underground network a powerful and courage like discreet group of ladies who run a "Call Jane" organization! The group lead by the blunt and brash Virginia(the great Sigourney Weaver) oversees the life and safety of several ladies who want to abort, call it go against the grain as still these ladies are doing what they have to do in a powerful and brave like manner. This picture is a powerful drama with a strong message of courage, and hope as the film is a social showcase of standing up for believes despite not taking moral or political sides. Overall wonderful well done film to watch.

Elizabeth Banks ("Joy") and her husband "Will" (Chris Messina) are rather joyfully expecting a late arrival into their 1960s family when it transpires that she has an heart condition that her doctor suggests could prove extremely perilous so long as she remains pregnant. Desperate, she turns to "Jane" after reading a billboard that suggested there may be help at hand. $600 and a visit to "Dr. Dean" (Cory Michael Smith) and all may be dealt with? Not if "Virginia" (Sigourney Weaver) has anything to do with it for she is the facilitator of a small group of women determined to help others who find themselves in a similar predicament. Of course it's all illegal - and the film now takes on a frequently darkly humoured trip that sees this initially rather reticent (and innocent) woman realise that more needs to be done, and to take some, frankly, rather innovative and courageous steps so to do. As far as the integrity of the medical science goes, I suspect this is massively over-simplistic, but in light of current events in the United States, it does shine a light on the difficulties families (single or otherwise) have in obtaining adequate and affordable medical care when they are faced with the unpleasant realities of an unwanted pregnancy. There is the odd bit of politicking going on - the prioritisation of victims getting support proving quite a potent source of debate and that, too, does offer food for thought. Banks reminded me of Elizabeth Montgomery from "Bewitched" for much of this; Weaver, though not exactly prominent here, offers a bit of depth and there is a strong effort from both the increasingly bamboozled Messina and from Wunmi Mosaku's "Gwen". It does begin to recycle itself a little towards and ending that didn't make a great deal of sense to me and the conclusion, despite this being over 2 hours long, seemed a bit rushed - but it is still an entertaining piece of cinema with an underpinning message that is probably more relevant now that for many a year.