At times serious and at others humorous, “Hysteria” takes a look at a shameful episode in the history of medical practice. To think of how many “unruly” women were branded and ultimately controlled by this misdiagnosis! I also recommend watching the documentary piece in the “Extra” section of the DVD.

This was one of the best period romance films I've watched! It was funny and cute, but also historically accurate both in the weird (the way "hysteria" was defined and treated) and the serious (the plight of the poor in settlement houses).

I will never be able to see Jonathan Pryce the same way again. He scared me sooo bad as a child in "Something Wicked, This Way Comes" and of course Rupert Everett the droll millionaire. Great cast and a very funny movie and not one family member I could recommend it too....only male in a family of women. 5/5 stars from me!!!

Fun, frothy, fictionalized account of how the treatment of the once-common medical diagnosis hysteria led to the invention of "Granville's hammer". The ending was a little too neatly tied-together, but my husband and I laughed out loud throughout this film. For a historical fiction film about hysteria that's also based on a true story, but done in a more serious tone, try the movie Tom & Viv.

It is a really bawdy movie. Victorian background is wonderful..thank goodness I did not live in those times. I really love this movie, but ,if you tend to be embarrassed by sexual situations then I suggest that you do not see this movie. The thing that is great about it is they make their point without showing anything. Now I know where vibrators were invented .

I'm ambivalent about this movie. On the one hand, it is cute and entertaining. On the other hand, this movie does give a "cute and entertaining" gloss to what was a very disturbing and heartbreaking period in the history of the medical treatment of women (enforced hysterectomies, institutionalization, pathologizing women's sexuality). If you can somehow overlook the brutal truth about this period and simply focus on the positive (yay, the "personal massager" was invented!), then it might be worth your while.

Enjoyably entertaining and wierdly informative. Hard to believe that normal educated people were so sexually twisted ! "Hysteria" ,.. indeed !! The bonus doc is also worthwhile. A real perspective eye-opener! ( Kev's PICkS : Get a startling revealing update on this film by viewing "Orgasm, Inc",.. about the current search for a female Viagra !! )

Based on a true story, this was funny and lighthearted. Not for children, of course, and not for those who are a bit prudish.

A sweet, slightly predictable love story, coupled with a bizarre account of a 'medical procedure' (!!!) that I'm at a loss for words to write about. Astonishing, antiquated mentalities of a hundred and thirty some odd years ago. Really not too distant in the past, and yet shockingly archaic. "Based on true events. (Really.)" Really?!? I had no idea. Unbelievable.

Romantic comedy on the history of the vibrator and its relevance in the healthcare of women who were struggling on social and suffrage issues during the Victorian era. (Don't miss the 40 minutes short documentary on how the film makers/writers stumbled on the idea to produce the movie)