She's Beautiful When She's Angry

"She's Beautiful When She's Angry" is a documentary focused on the work and successes of second wave feminist pioneers. Producers Mary Dore and Nancy Kennedy take us on a whirlwind romp through the inner and outermost details of grassroots campaigns. It begins in 1966 and summarizes the works of many organizations through the 1970's. We meet oodles of ladies to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for their historic contributions to women's liberation. Without them, we wouldn't have comprehensive sex education, reproductive care, childcare reform, equal pay for equal work, and many other basic equalities.

This is a more inclusive, intersectional documentary than one might expect. While the majority of the women interviewed are straight and white, a small but decent percentage of the information shared in the film are by lesbian and of color women's lib leaders. Rita Mae Brown tells excellent stories about her work with The Lavender Menace, a radical group of feminists devoted to the inclusion of lesbian issues in feminism. Eleanor Holmes Norton shares her insights into the civil rights movement. Fran Beal and Aileen Hernandez discuss their involvement in organizing eager women towards their causes. There are many others who tell excellent, necessary stories.

Boston has several direct mentions for its involvement the Second Wave in this well-crafted indie film. The good ladies of the Boston Women's Health Book Collective share their experiences with the viewer. A good long chunk is devoted to the mold breaking research and writing of "Our Bodies, Ourselves." From classes on masturbation held at MIT to the anatomy of the female reproductive system, they covered all of society's taboo subjects. Boston, like Chicago and New York City, was a hotbed of activity and organization. This documentary puts in perspective just how important Boston was to Feminism.

There are two slight drawbacks to this DVD. The dramatic reenactments of protests and other events are a bit hokey. Spoken word performances appear unexpectedly. If unacquainted with spoken word poetry, a viewer might not understand why the film changes flow to accommodate them. These are small details and do not detract from the larger viewing experience.

"She's Beautiful" ends on a hopeful note. These passionate feminist pioneers remind us that no victory is permanent. They go on to express their dismay at the current political trends unraveling all the hard work they did decades ago. Yet, they acknowledge that this generation's feminists are capable of great things. Everyday men and women can affect great change. These women know because they did.

Extras on the DVD include performances and interviews not included in the final film. Topics range from the politics of housework to activism through to the art of graphic novels. The theatrical trailer is also included. The DVD begins with previews for other movies by Music Box films.

"She's Beautiful When She's Angry"
Directed by Mary Dore
Music Box Films Entertainment
http://www.musicboxfilms.com/
DVD, 92 minutes long
$29.95