SUFFRAGETTE (2015)

Suffragette brings the progression of the women's rights movement in England into sharp focus via the very personal story of Maud Watts (the perfectly-cast Carey Mulligan), a wife and mother who toils long hours in a hot, dilapidated laundry under the watchful eye of her overbearing male bosses.  When the women's movement fires her up, Maud realizing just how important it is that those who come after her not live the kind of life she has, she soon becomes a genuine soldier for the cause, eventually putting her marriage, home and even her child's future in jeopardy.  Full of great performances and passion, Suffragette is a stark reminder of the way the world once was, that many of us alive now would find hard to believe ever even existed.  Though it came off a little "Hollywood-ized" for me and could have used more grittiness and less gloss, the film is nevertheless touching and important and at times heartbreaking, with a stellar cast; one of those movies everyone should see, to make sure our past is known so we're never doomed to repeat it. (rated PG-13)  B+