A Will of Their Own

This is an excellent docudrama about women in the 20th century. Ellen Burstyn proves to be the best performer as a stiff high society matron. Although some of the acting was a bit weak the other performers were still great especially Michael Muhney and Elizabeth Marvin. Costumes and Art/Set decoration was wonderful and this is an Emmy bound movie. It completely changes your view of men during the turn-of-the-century. This truly is a mini-series to see. It could not have been done better.

My Score 9.8/10

When this movie came on, I was glued to the seat. It's one of those movies that you feel like you are right there and can identify with and feel for the characters. A movie that shows women independence and true love is one that you will need a tissue for, no doubt. 8 out of 10.

Seven years ago, I recall, I watched this movie over the course of it's playing on the television, much to my parents annoyance (they preferred the sitcoms to movies). I tried to record the movie, knowing I would want to see it again,but alas, my VCR stopped working, and the tape never worked properly. Since then, I've tried to find a copy of the movie, looking at all of the local video rental places, movie shops, blockbusters and everywhere else I could think to look, except the internet....then today I decided to look up Lea Thompson's filmography. Go figure, I'd learn it's under a different working title and I'd never find it here under "A Will of Their Own." Anyway, to the comment I am getting at, This movie has stayed in my mind for seven years. I was eleven or twelve when I watched it for the first time, and I still, though I cannot recall all of it, recommend it to anyone who comes across it. Watch it!

Overall, I enjoyed this mini-series. The characters weeped a lot and there was plenty of melodrama. However, the message of the movie was clear which is that being true to yourself and personal principles is essential. This is a series that is about strong-willed women, whether they are that way from the outset or become that way over time. Pre- and post war periods and how it changed women's roles are addressed here.

It is work checking out although it is, as I said before on the weepy preachy side.

Historical inaccuracies aside, I think this is a wonderful movie for women. It's a TV miniseries so the acting is not Oscar worthy, but it is an overall good movie with something to say. I watch this with my mother at least once every couple months. It shows women who are determined, strong-willed, independent and driven. This was quite unusual for the time period the movie is set in. It transits well throughout the years it is set and I found myself crying in the end. I love how it shows different and important times for women throughout history. I also liked how it shows the role women played throughout world war one and world war two. Lea Thompson overacts at times and when she is supposed to be playing a 17 year old it is just obvious that she is not. I would recommend every female to watch this movie just once and form your own opinion about it.