FILM CHALLENGE: 126) Made In Dagenham

126) Made In Dagenham

Director: Nigel Cole

Year: 2010

Plot Summary: A dramatization of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination.

Made In Dagenham is not a work of art by any means, nor is it going to be a movie that lives long on the memory. But, nevertheless, this tale of womens' rights is one of the most uplifting films of the year.

Set in the late 1960s when women were still earning less income than men despite the fact that, in very many cases, they had the same level of skill, the movie tells the story of one woman who stood up for their rights and eventually forced the government to change the legislation. It is, quite honestly, a small story with little substance and, therefore, Nigel Cole struggles to make an enthralling two hour movie out of it. For example, there are moments when the narrative goes off topic and explores characters that serve little purpose to the story and it also contains some scenes that only confirm what we know already. But however clunky it may be, it would be impossible to not feel moved by Rita and her colleagues' fight nevertheless.

Cole places you inside the lives of Rita and the many women who work at the Ford factory extremely well so that, although you know what's coming, you still feel like you're fighting right alongside them. As they deliver a speech to the main union leaders you will hold your breath in suspense, as they find themselves beaten and poor from the amount of striking you will pray for their success and as they finally get what they fought so hard for your eyes will be filled with tears. Furthermore, he helps you understand the scale and enormity of their battle very well. In the first 15 minutes, their strike simply consists of holding plaques for a few hours which no-one takes any notice of. But as the narrative progresses, we are slowly introduced to the top brass of Ford, the setting becomes less claustrophobic as the women travel around the country and, soon, even the Prime Minister makes a brief appearance in the movie. It perfectly shows you the momentum which Rita's actions took and, therefore, makes the movie even more emotional.

Sally Hawkins plays Rita in another spellbinding performance. At first, she seemed to just be replicating her character in Happy Go Lucky, which she was awarded a Golden Globe for, but as we reach the second act of Made In Dagenham, Hawkins presents a feisty, tough and determined edge that even outdoes Julia Roberts' famous role in Erin Brockovich. Mostly because, in contrast to Roberts, her performance is so human and relatable. Despite all those aforementioned features, we also see Rita's emotional, nervous and funny side.

Is it one of the highlights of the year? No. Will it change British cinema? Certainly not. But, is this a story so important that it should well be committed to celluloid for people to experience for years and years? And is it one that will make you laugh, cry and cheer despite its faults? Most definitely.

3/5

By Daniel Sarath with 2 comments