Bella!

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1h 42m

Documentary

Biography

History

List

100%

6 Reviews

Tomatometer

67%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

As Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi lead the nation, they travel a path blazed by several women before them, notably Bella Abzug. In 1970, when the United States was ruled by men, Bella challenged the status quo, running a successful campaign from the streets of Manhattan that elevated her all the way to the halls of Congress. With her trademark hat and Bronx swagger, Bella entered Congress swinging, battling for credit cards for women, equality for the LGBTQ community and trailblazing a path for leadership that reflected the broad diversity of the country. But, the most recognizable woman in politics also became the target of a Washington establishment resistant to change. With her eyes set on breaking the boys' club of The US Senate or becoming New York's first female mayor, Bella battled mounting forces from both the right and the left, and the powers of the Nixon Administration, the CIA, FBI, even The New York Times. Using never-before-seen home movies, audio diaries, and a vast trove of newly-discovered news footage, Bella! delves into a colorful and gritty era where one woman sacrificed her own political ambitions for future generations of female leadership.

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Karen M

I remember seeing Bella Abzug on the news when I was growing up; I always thought of her as the "outspoken hat lady." What a treat it was to view this film and learn about so many aspects of her life......her family, her triumphs, her struggles and her groundbreaking perseverance. Take your sons and daughters to see "Bella" so they can learn about this American Political Legend. Incredibly well done.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/25/23

Full Review

Elizabeth W

A political tour de force, fearless feminist, lover of hats, and inspiration to millions, Jeff L. Lieberman's documentary Bella! introduces generations of viewers to the woman who paved the way for every female politician and homegrown activist to raise their voices. The doc takes us through Abzug's life through sit-down interviews with family, friends, and colleagues. It explores her work as a lawyer, her marriage, and the fierce friendships that lit a fire in so many. The relevancy of Bella's words still rings true today as we continue to fight for justice. As a heavily pregnant individual who joined the ranks of New Yorkers during The Women's March in 2016, as someone who is currently witnessing the rights Bella fought for slip away day by day, as a mother who wants to make sure her six-year-old daughter never has to repeat this era of history, Bella! serves as an essential history lesson. When I wear my "Women Belong In The House and Senate" sweatshirt, I can now tell my daughter Bella Abzug said that.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/18/23

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Jeff L. Lieberman

Director

Bella Abzug

Self

Nancy Pelosi

Self

Hillary Clinton

Self

Barbra Streisand

Self

Shirley MacLaine

Self

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Nicolas Rapold

New York Times

Her never-say-die advocacy still inspires, but the film also illustrates the merciless challenges of electoral endurance even for the fiercest fighter.

Aug 17, 2023

Full Review

John Paul King

Washington Blade

Lieberman tells the story of a passionate, courageous, brilliant, woman, one who made a real difference in all women’s lives. But more than that, she made a difference in everyone’s life; men, women, minorities, and the LGBTQ community.

Mar 1, 2024

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Andy Klein

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

I thought this was a pretty riveting documentary even with a subject matter I'm theoretically not very interested in.

Nov 29, 2023

Full Review

Lael Loewenstein

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

I found it to be very well-researched and thoroughly engaging.

Sep 7, 2023

Full Review

Nora Lee Mandel

Maven's Nest

May Bella Abzug’s alleged lack of familiarity to younger and non-New Yorkers lessen when this satisfying bio-doc is seen. Interviewees include family, friends, assistants, and the many celebrities who helped get her elected to Congress.

Rated: 7/10

Aug 18, 2023

Full Review

Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

A powerful, illuminating and well-edited documentary biopic of Bella Abzug.

Aug 18, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

As Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi lead the nation, they travel a path blazed by several women before them, notably Bella Abzug. In 1970, when the United States was ruled by men, Bella challenged the status quo, running a successful campaign from the streets of Manhattan that elevated her all the way to the halls of Congress. With her trademark hat and Bronx swagger, Bella entered Congress swinging, battling for credit cards for women, equality for the LGBTQ community and trailblazing a path for leadership that reflected the broad diversity of the country. But, the most recognizable woman in politics also became the target of a Washington establishment resistant to change. With her eyes set on breaking the boys' club of The US Senate or becoming New York's first female mayor, Bella battled mounting forces from both the right and the left, and the powers of the Nixon Administration, the CIA, FBI, even The New York Times. Using never-before-seen home movies, audio diaries, and a vast trove of newly-discovered news footage, Bella! delves into a colorful and gritty era where one woman sacrificed her own political ambitions for future generations of female leadership.

Director: Jeff L. Lieberman
Screenwriter: Jeff L. Lieberman
Production Co: Re-Emerging Films
Genre: Documentary, Biography, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 22, 2023, Limited
Runtime: 1h 42m