Veronica Guerin - The Magdalen Sisters

Last two nights, I watched based-on-true-event movies, both set in Ireland.

Veronica Guerin—an Irish journalist who reported to unveil the drug dealing crimes that particularly contaminated youth. Regardless of the truth, she was depicted somehow as an imprudent female journalist, at least to me. Even a male journalist wouldn't go unarmed alone to confront a perilous gangster, which she did and got beaten up so bad. I admire her determination to continue the investigation even after couple sever attacks. But shouldn’t she be more careful? I feel like there was a chance that she could have win the battle with the brutal evils without losing her life. I probably shouldn’t say this because this was a real event but I don't mean to be disrespectful for her death. It’s also unfortunate that the society didn’t respond until after her death.
(Recommend to learn about her rather than watching this movie.)

The Magdalen Sisters—a story of three Irish young women who suffered and endured mental and physical abuses at the asylum. This is probably one of the most depressing movie I’ve ever seen. The girls were sent to this church-owned "hell" by their own family for the sin they’ve made; being raped by his cousin, being a un-wed mother and being beautiful and flirty. Ironically, the asylum was originally founded as a part of Rescue Movement, founded for rescuing and educating the prostitutes. The depraved discipline and abuses by the villainous nuns have completely lost its uplifting origin but rather made it a hopeless, dehumanizing prison. Coincidentally, the last asylum was closed on 1996, the year Veronica Guerin was killed.
(Movie highly recommended but be aware it’s painful to watch.)

I picked these two tragic stories randomly and ended up thinking about two issues relative to both movies.

Is it necessary or appropriate for the viewer to know that the movie is based on a true event? The viewers may be compelled to feel more empathy toward the film—simply because the event actually happened. But it’s not a documentary. Tweaks and some details are added. Then shouldn’t that be treated and seen as a drama?

Each movie, in a way, illustrates the issue of women’s right. Today, none of the Magdalen Sister wouldn’t be a shame or accused for their "sins." But it’s still not the safe and fair society for many women weather to pursue a decent life or a rather challenging professional career. And the two movies did feature strong women who tried to uphold their spirits and dignity to their lives.