Boxing Day is traditionally the biggest day of the year at New Zealand cinemas, and this year should set records as fans flock to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
But for those in the mood for something a little less blockbuster, Suffragette also opens today.
A film that has even more resonance here in New Zealand, and featuring an all-class cast, Suffragette is a timely reminder of the enormous sacrifices made by so many courageous women here and all over the world to win us the simple right to vote.
The story focuses on the feminist movement in early 20th century Britain and on the women who rally behind prominent women's rights activist Emmeline Pankhurst (Meryl Streep).
While Pankhurst is always the figurehead in this story, central is Maud (Carey Mulligan) – a young wife and mother who at first gets inadvertently entangled with a group of local militants, but soon finds herself swept up in the suffragette movement.
Peaceful action is no longer enough, and Maud will sacrifice everything that is most precious to her.
Worthy it may be, but it's worthy in a good way. Walking out of the cinema, I felt so intensely proud to be Kiwi, so proud of the New Zealand women who fought for my right to vote, reminding me we must never take that for granted.
Four stars.
Suffragette:: Director: Sarah Gavron :: Starring: Helena Bonham Carter, Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan, Ben Whishaw, Brendan Gleeson, Romola Garai, Anne-Marie Duff:: Rating: M - Violence and offensive language:: Running Time: 106 minutes:: Release Date: In cinemas now
