Call Jane

She had a life threatening pregnancy. But the hospital board turns her down when she needed an emergency abortion. She had limited options. Year 1968, 5 years before the Supreme Court ruled under Roe v Wade decision that the constitution conferred the right to have abortion. She visits a shady clinic, considers falling down the stairs and finally finds a flier near the shady clinic she visits: Call Jane. Inspired by true events, this period drama tells a story of a group of staunch and unapologetic grassroots women activists and their ideology of altruism superseding the judgements. When a woman needs help, the underlying reason is not important. Well made and well acted! Fantastic job by screenwriters Roshan Sethi and Hayley Schore for lightening up the serious subject with some humor and still maintaining its quintessence. In today's context, this seems so timely.

This is based on The Jane Collective, a clandestine group in Chicago between 1969 and 1973. It facilitated an estimated 11,000 illegal but safe abortions. It is not just about empowering women as this concept was introduced just in 1985. Women have fought their battles since ages whether it was for suffrage, education, employment or for something as basic a right as abortion. A great watch.

Some may call this film timely as the issue of abortion is always a hot topic the theme is touchy however no matter how you see or feel about the issue this film "Call Jane" was an interesting drama film to see about a group of determined ladies.

Set back in the 1960's when most abortions were not legal it involved a housewife Joy(the wonderful Elizabeth Banks) who becomes pregnant however her own health is at risk and still her doctor is of no help. So she finds about an underground network a powerful and courage like discreet group of ladies who run a "Call Jane" organization! The group lead by the blunt and brash Virginia(the great Sigourney Weaver) oversees the life and safety of several ladies who want to abort, call it go against the grain as still these ladies are doing what they have to do in a powerful and brave like manner. This picture is a powerful drama with a strong message of courage, and hope as the film is a social showcase of standing up for believes despite not taking moral or political sides. Overall wonderful well done film to watch.

It's actually pretty impressive how well balanced this movie is about the subject. Just when you thought it was going to take just one side to the subject of abortion, a new shoe is dropped to show how multilayered and diverse this manner is. Basically, no woman left behind or taken out of the equation.

That would be impressive just for a contemporary movie, yet alone one set in the 1960s.

Plus, in my opinion it went through the medical details of an abortion fairly. Meaning they just explained the procedure without guiding you anyway. I've seen content that is supposed to be pro chose purposely, make the whole process look more frightening than it needs to. This movie was just trying to shed some much-needed light on the subject.

I can't recall a better work of political art than this movie. I feel like the filmmakers deserve a thanks.

Now more than ever, the topic of this film has become relevant again.

This basically shows part of the fight women had to go through to fet the right to decide over their own body.

And now half a century later (give or take a few years), that right is not just endangered, but seriously threatened again with Roe vs. Wade overturned.

Personally, I always felt that while certainly the opinion of the father (if he is in a relationship with the mother) should be considered, ultimately, this is the woman's body, and she has to decide.

So, this is an important topic, and the film has a good cast, but I can't go higher than 5 stars, because it is just not that good.

Talented actors, but no one is giving their best.

The film fails to hold the suspense and the attention of the viewers.

And I'm sorry to say this, but I have become tired of Elisabeth Banks, even in her comedies, it's always about women fighting against evil and mostly stupid men.

Women are always the better humans.

So even here, when I completely agree with the position of her character, when I'm completely with the message of the film, she actually makes me like the film less.

She has become an actor/director that does nothing but push an agenda, and I find it tiresome.

This movie should be shown in ALL schools as part of the required curriculum. It's not a fancy, flashy, big budget production. It's a modest movie that tells a great story. A very important one. And it does a mighty fine job at doing that too. Sure, we all know those times existed not that long ago in our history but most people don't know what it was REALLY like... what those women went through, how difficult it was, how expensive, etc. This movie felt like it told the story the right way. With a lot of compassion. It's not here to make a ton of money, it's just here to enlighten and spread a message. The acting from Banks and Weaver is the usual/expected top notch, no surprises there, with Banks sometimes telling an entire story with just a slight shift on her face. This is not a fast action packed movie and I see that a lot of people complained about that which I don't understand. It felt like it had plenty of intensity in it for me and it kept me watching from beginning to end. There was always something interesting and new happening. Sure, there were a couple of plot holes (abortion advertisements at a bus stop in the 50's??) but they needed to get the story across so I get it.

Overall this was an excellent movie. Please enjoy it responsibly!