With the feminist movement - a good movement which I support - there's been more overt criticism of the male, an attitude that men are failing to understand the finer nature of women, failing to appreciate their needs, failing to support them, failing to be compassionate.

Certainly! Here’s an explanation of the quote with bolded keywords:

This quote by Steven Berkoff acknowledges the significance of the feminist movement, which he describes as a good movement that he supports. However, he also points out that alongside its progress, there has been an increase in overt criticism of men. This criticism centers on the attitude that men are failing in several important ways—specifically, in understanding the finer nature of women, appreciating their needs, providing support, and showing compassion.

Berkoff’s reflection highlights a tension within the feminist discourse, where some critiques emphasize the shortcomings or insensitivities of men in relation to women’s experiences. This viewpoint suggests that men need to grow in emotional intelligence and empathy to better engage with and support women.

The origin of this quote lies in Berkoff’s perspective as an actor and playwright who often comments on social and cultural issues. His words reflect an awareness of the evolving gender dynamics shaped by the feminist movement, as well as the challenges and conversations it provokes about male attitudes and behavior.

Overall, the quote captures the dual recognition of feminism’s positive impact and the call for men to improve their understanding and compassion, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue about gender relations and mutual respect.