A Will of Their Own

I like this movie because of its noble attempt to cover women's impact on the twentieth century. Although at times it was not accurate, and it sacrificed quality for melodrama, this was an engaging movie with some interesting characters. I looked forward to it, and though it did not live up to my expectations, I would watch it again.

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

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.

This film has a hackneyed plot with only adequate acting. The historical inaccuracies with which it was filled, irritated me immensely. They show a radio broadcast being listened to (before radio stations, as such, existed) on a radio available only in the 1930's. First sequence showed crossing the Atlantic in 1895 on a sailing ship when these were obsolete. Referred to Greta Garbo in the '20's before she became a star in America. Showed travel in Wisconsin in 1914 in a stage coach! Young screen writers (or maybe authors) need to research history more thoroughly before putting their films on the air to be viewed by people who know more about these things than they do!

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.