Suffragette : The Movie

This film depicts the protest movement at the beginning of the 20^th century in Britain which led to British women getting the right to vote in 1918. The link above is to a “featurette”, lasting around 2:30, which was released alongside the trailer. It includes footage from the films and short clips from some of the main actors and women behind the film.

The language is mostly simple and clear. Suitable for lower intermediate (B1) and above.

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/focus_features/suffragette/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvV40MGSzq4

Transcript

“All my life, I've done what men told me. If it's right for men to fight for their freedom, then it's right for women to fight for theirs!”

“Votes for women!”

This is the first human rights movie about the British suffragette movement that's been made.

“We meet Mondays and Thursdays, if you're interested.”

I wanted to write about a group of women who came together and said : “Let's fight for female rights.”

“Are you a suffragette, Mrs New?”

“Yes, but I consider myself more of a soldier”

Casting was really exciting because we had this ensemble of women. Working with this group of actors was a real gift.

It was such a delight to have all these women on screen: you never get that.

I was so excited about the idea of doing so many scenes with all these incredible actresses.

Carey Mulligan's an actor who works incredibly hard. She's got such an extraordinary presence on camera.

“Your mother's name is Maud Watts. Don't forget that name!”

What I loved about Maud when I read her is that, through meeting these women, she gains strength, she discovers friendship, and she discovers sisterhood.

“This is your moment to come forward and speak up.”

“No one cares, love.”

“Some of us do, Mr Colman, so shut your bleeding cakehole.”

Anne-Marie Duff is someone who's got great energy and a raw quality.

These are women connected with blood sweat and tears to the cause. So it's a great starting place for an actor.

“This isn't time to stand down – no, we push on.”

“They feel our threat.”

To get to work with Helena was a complete dream. I've been a huge fan of hers forever.

I wanted to be somebody who ignites self-confidence, say “come on, you can actually make up your own destiny”.

“We have been left with no alternative but to defy this government.”

We had Meryl Streep take on this extraordinary role, which we couldn't have asked for a better actress on the planet to play her.

There is a particular power in this film for women.

“Never surrender; never give up the fight.”

So many big parts for women – directed by a woman, produced by a woman.

It was a sisterhood in every way.

“We break windows, we burn things, coz war's the only language men listen to.”

To a young audience, of young women, our film I think will be revelatory.

Comprehension Questions

1. Why does the woman believe that women should fight (at the start)? (0.04-0.10)
   
   
2. On what days of the week do the Suffragettes meet? (0.20-0.22)
   
   
3. The main actress is called Carey Mulligan. How did the director describe her? (0.48-0.55)
   
   
4. When Carey read the script for Maud, what three things did she love about her? (1.03-1.12)
   
   
5. Meryl Streep says : “We have been left with no alternative but to defy this government.” What does “defy” mean, here? (1.47-1.52)
   
   
6. What does Maud (Carey) say that the suffragettes do (at the end of the film)? (2.14-2.19)