Bella!

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Bella!

Released Jun 22, 2023

1h 42m

Documentary

Biography

History

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100%

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6 Reviews

82%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

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.

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

Full Review

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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Barrie Z

The film is excellent. Love the way with each incident there was audio as well as visual which fit together very well. The story was very well presented and I particularly liked the background music which was there but the volume was low which was good. I like some of the techniques that were not familiar to me. Meaning zooming in on a still photo or zooming out on a still photo. The whole thing was great to look at, great to hear and good for the memory and the thinking part of the brain and now seeing an early pioneer in action. Always appreciate the pioneers because it's extra difficult in so many ways for them.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/18/24

Full Review

Paula C

KUDOS on Bella! The documentary is AWESOME. The scope of Bella Abzug's life was enormous. Condensing the highlights must have been a huge challenge. Congratulations on a great film one of my SHEroes. Her tenacity and commitment to women's rights and social justice continues to inspire many. Bella's spirit is larger than life. I was honored to have met Bella a number of times. Your film gives the next generation an understanding of a great woman who made HERstory.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/18/24

Full Review

Barbara H

Great film! What a life! Bella is an inspiration!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/18/24

Full Review

Bobbi C

This film brought out the essence of Bella Abzug. it was very interesting to hear from people who supported and collaborated with Bella, and all of the movements and issues she worked so hard for.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/18/24

Full Review

Robert A

Powerful and admirable A good example for politicians on ways to make big changes in the politics of the United States and the world that are being forgotten by time. Bella Abzug transmits in this documentary with her story how powerful and strong a woman can be, representing the most important values for humanity. Unstoppable strength and personality that audiences should know more about in our era.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/01/24

Full Review

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

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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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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
Producer: Jeff L. Lieberman, Jamila Fairley
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