Capturing the Spirit: How Film has Presented the Legacy of the Suffragette Movement

The Suffragette movement is a seminal moment in the history of women’s rights, and it is no surprise that filmmakers have sought to capture this important moment on film. The suffragettes, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fought tirelessly to secure women’s right to vote, and their sacrifices inspired generations of women to continue the fight for equality. The struggle was long and arduous, and the film industry has played an important role in preserving the legacy of the movement and inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality. From documentaries to feature films, filmmakers have sought to bring the suffragettes’ story to life, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of this historic movement.

One of the most popular films about the suffragettes is the 2015 movie “Suffragette,” which stars Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Meryl Streep. The film follows the journey of a young working-class woman who joins the suffragette movement and becomes embroiled in a dangerous and violent struggle for women’s rights. The film is a powerful depiction of the sacrifices and struggles of the suffragettes and captures the spirit of the movement in an inspiring and heart-wrenching way.

Another popular film about the suffragettes is “Iron Jawed Angels,” which was released in 2004. This film stars Hilary Swank as Alice Paul, a suffragette who was instrumental in the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. “Iron Jawed Angels” is a powerful and emotionally charged film that brings to life the struggle for women’s rights and the sacrifices of the suffragettes.

While these films do an excellent job of capturing the spirit of the suffragette movement, some films need to catch up in their portrayal. For example, the 1997 film “Mrs. Brown” tells the story of Queen Victoria’s relationship with her Scottish servant John Brown. Still, it neglects to mention the suffragette movement, which was happening during this time. This omission detracts from the historical context and fails to represent the struggles of women during this period accurately.

Another film that misses the mark is the 2019 movie “Harriet,” which tells the story of Harriet Tubman’s life and her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. While the film is a powerful and inspiring depiction of Harriet Tubman’s life, it fails to mention the suffragette movement and women like Tubman’s role in advocating for women’s rights.

There is no denying that films about the suffragettes have played an important role in preserving the movement’s legacy and spreading its message to new generations. However, it is also important to acknowledge that some films miss the mark in portraying the suffragettes and the woman’s rights movement. By accurately representing the historical context and capturing the spirit of the movement, films can help ensure that the suffragettes’ sacrifices and struggles are not forgotten. In conclusion, films have played a significant role in preserving the legacy of the suffragette movement and spreading its message. From powerful and inspiring depictions of the suffragettes’ struggles to historical inaccuracies, films have captured both the triumphs and shortcomings of this historic movement. By accurately representing the suffragettes and their work, filmmakers can ensure that their legacy lives on and continues to inspire future generations.

Words by: Megha Roy Design by: Molly Openshaw

The Spice Girls have defined “girl power” for over 25 years, yet they were only together for just over three years. When Ginger Spice left in 1998 the girl power feeling they gave to millions of teenage girls across the world crumbled. In 2018, twenty years after their breakup they reunited after potentially the longest band hiatus in history. The result of which was incredible, with a whole new generation of Spice Girl fans ready to “Spice up their lives”. The Spice Girls are living proof that no matter how long a band is on break, when they return they will be met with the same support they once left.

How does a hiatus affect a band’s sound? Our contributors examine whether a band’s releases were better before or after their hiatus, and the reasons why.

In The Monkees’ 2016 reunion in tribute to Peter Tork, their simple ambition was reflected in the album’s title sixties sunshine pop hits and a strikingly contemporary effort with gained wisdom. The crew is a who’s who of amazingly varied musicianship, including fans Andy Partridge, Rivers Cuomo and Paul Weller. The fresh, freewheeling chime of You Bring The Summer and deep melancholy of Me And Magdalena prove they meant far more than a children’s TV cast. Since we have too lost Peter and Mike - it was a fitting end.

Words by Billy Edwards

‘Pop-punk band Paramore took a hiatus after the release of their 2017 album After Laughter. Being in the band since 2004 led to Hayley Williams telling The Guardian the thought process behind the hiatus was “Let’s see what it’s like to not hang our identities on Paramore all the time”. During the hiatus, respective band members dove into their solo endeavours with Williams’ debut album Petals for Armour and Zac Faro’s musical project HalfNoise. After almost six years, Paramore have released their sixth studio album This Is Why, and it is absolutely their best yet. The album takes the band back to their roots and reflects on that original punk sound, allowing it to mature. Paramore’s discography demonstrates that they are capable of more than one genre, but this new album’s post-punk sound is a sign of the times of the band growing with their listeners.’

Words by Ashley Thieme

Design by Eleanor Byrne