She's Beautiful When She's Angry

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.

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.

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 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."

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.