Is there any actual nudity in the anatomy workshop scene?

Yes, there is brief nudity and very frank discussion of female anatomy. It is handled medically and humorously, not pornographically, but it is definitely there.

How much of this is actually true?

The village and characters are fictional, but the historical context is 100% accurate. Switzerland really did have a national referendum in 1971 where only men were allowed to vote on whether women should be allowed to vote.

Is it too slow for a 14-year-old?

If they like character-driven stories, they'll be fine. It’s not an action movie, but the tension of Nora standing up to her neighbors provides plenty of 'edge of your seat' moments.

What's the best way to watch this?

It’s often available on Kanopy (which is free with a library card) or Hoopla. Because it's subtitled, it's a 'phones down' movie—you can't multitask and follow the plot.

The Divine Order – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Divine Order

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A charming, sharp-witted look at the Swiss housewives who finally won the right to vote in 1971—yes, you read that year correctly.

84%

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The Divine Order

movie

18A, 2017

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A charming, sharp-witted look at the Swiss housewives who finally won the right to vote in 1971—yes, you read that year correctly.

84%

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Screenwise Verdict

The Divine Order is the kind of movie that makes you want to look up the Wikipedia page immediately after the credits roll. It’s a beautifully shot, surprisingly funny drama that tackles a massive historical blind spot: the fact that Swiss women didn't get the federal right to vote until the same year Disney World opened.

It avoids being a preachy 'girl power' flick by focusing on the actual cost of dissent—lost friendships, marital strife, and community shunning. For a family with a teenager, it’s a high-quality foreign film that feels modern despite its period setting.

Age Fit

Best for 13 and up. The themes of sexual awakening and the subtitles make it a bit much for younger kids, but it's a fantastic watch for teens who think they know everything about feminism.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Focuses on community bonds, the courage of conviction, and a woman finding her voice without being needlessly cynical. Even the 'villains' are treated with a degree of human complexity.

Imaginative

While it's a grounded historical drama, it vividly recreates a specific time and place, helping viewers imagine the stifling social atmosphere of 1970s rural Switzerland.

Safe

Includes frank discussions and scenes regarding female anatomy and sexual liberation (the 'vagina workshop' scene), which are handled with humor but might surprise parents expecting a dry political drama.

Enriching

A massive eye-opener regarding global history. Most kids assume women's suffrage was settled in the early 20th century; seeing it play out in 1971 is a potent lesson in social progress.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Historical shock value that sparks real conversation about how recently 'basic' rights were actually won.
Relatable protagonist in Nora, who isn't a born firebrand but a quiet mother who realizes she's had enough.
Charming humor that keeps the heavy subject matter from feeling like a boring social studies lecture.
Global perspective that helps kids see beyond the US/UK-centric version of history they usually get.

⚠

What to Watch For

There is a scene where women use mirrors to explore their own anatomy as part of a liberation workshop. It's played for laughs and empowerment, but it's very direct.
Marital tension gets heavy; Nora’s husband isn't a monster, but he's a product of his time, and their conflict feels painfully real.
The subtitles might be a hurdle for younger or less patient viewers, though the visual storytelling is strong enough to keep them engaged.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the men in the village were so afraid of letting the women vote?"
"Nora starts her protest because she wants to get a job. Why was that such a controversial idea back then?"
"How does seeing this happen in 1971 change how you think about 'old' vs 'modern' history?"
"Was there a moment where you felt Nora's husband was starting to understand her point of view?"

Deep Dive

The 1971 Shocker

Most history books give the impression that once the 19th Amendment passed in the US and similar laws hit the UK, the fight for suffrage was essentially over in the West. The Divine Order shatters that illusion. Setting this story in 1971—a year of Led Zeppelin and the Apollo 14 mission—makes the struggle feel incredibly immediate. It's not 'ancient history'; it's the era of your kid's grandparents.

More Than Just Politics

What makes this movie work is that it doesn't just stay in the town hall. It goes into the bedrooms and kitchens. The film explores 'the divine order'—the idea that men lead and women follow—not just as a law, but as a deeply ingrained social habit. The most famous sequence involves a 'vagina workshop' where the village women learn about their own bodies for the first time. It’s handled with a mix of awkwardness and joy that perfectly captures the spirit of the era's liberation movements.

Why It's Worth the Subtitles

If your kid is used to fast-paced Marvel movies, a Swiss-German drama about voting might seem like a hard sell. But the stakes here feel higher because they are so personal. The performances are grounded, and the cinematography captures the 'quaint' village in a way that feels both beautiful and claustrophobic. It’s a great pick for a 'thinking' movie night that will actually leave you with something to talk about.

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