- Golden Globe Awards
The Divine Order (Switzerland)
Directed by Petra Biondina Volpe and starring Marie Leuenberger and Max Simonuschek, The Divine Order representing Switzerland for the Golden Globes describes the long journey of how this country was one of the last Democracies in the world, to approve the feminine vote in 1971. Switzerland had a very developed economy, but, as late as the 1970s, still relied on the “Divine Order” established in The Bible, considering women as second-class citizens.The story revolves around a group of women living in a small village among them Nora, a very unhappy housewife and mother, tired of her routine, whose husband forbids her to get a part-time job. She also sees how her niece Hannah is abused by her parents and ends up in prison, just because she smoked weed. Nora decides to research Swiss Law and joins with other women to fight for the right to vote and for women’s liberation. But, incredibly, there are many women that oppose the movement – and, of course, most of the men. Nora’s journey is not only political but also sexual, as she confesses that she has never had an orgasm. Through their resistance, symbolized by Nora, Swiss women, manage to win the Referendum and get the right to vote. Director Petra Volpe, who herself is a very strong and opinionated lady, does an excellent job of portraying this very important historical fight in her homeland.