Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority 2008
Distributed by Women Make Movies, 462 Broadway, New York, NY 10013; 212-925-0606
Produced by Making Waves Films LLC
Directed by Kimberlee Bassford
DVD, color and b&w, 56 min
Jr. High - Adult
Biography, Political Science, Women's Studies, History
Date Entered: 10/15/2009
Reviewed by Linda Yau, Bronx Community College Library, Bronx, NYPatsy Matsu Takemoto Mink is the first Asian American and woman of color to be elected to Congress in 1965 and this DVD is a biopic of her life. This documentary provides multiple perspectives and recorded interviews with Patsy Mink, her family, friends, and colleagues. They provide examples of what made Patsy Mink a memorable figure.
What makes this documentary stand out are the extras that this DVD offers. There are deleted scenes, a timeline, additional speeches, and interviews with Patsy Mink. It is a shame the deleted scenes were edited out—left in, they would enhance the emotional impact of the film.
The program highlights the strong and good qualities of Patsy Mink. Ironically, this actually makes her seem too perfect. Were there were other problems that may have influenced her thinking throughout the years? Many of her bills, particularly toward the end of her life, weren’t popularly supported. What type of a role did she have in Hawaii politics, when not in Washington?
The DVD contains both black and white photos and video clips. This DVD would be great material for anyone researching her life, and a good video to show during the month of March, when it is Woman’s History Month. A student also recently said to me, that Patsy Mink is also considered by her peers to be an inspirational female role model This program is suitable for junior high to adult audiences.