Made in Dagenham (2010)

Made in Dagenham is a movie about the true story of women working in the Ford Dagenham car plant that went on strike to fight for pay equality. This movie brilliantly captures the pay inequality crisis. It brings awareness to the cause and provides eye opening information that can encourage people of all ages to fight for what's right. Equal pay was a problem long ago and is still a very big problem today. This movie was very inspiring, specifically for the female sex, but for the male sex too. I thought this movie really brought a reality to the wage gap how it affects a person's life. The fact that this movie is based on a true story makes it all the more empowering. I encourage all women to watch this and to see what they are capable of. The parts of this movie that I felt were especially honest were the parts that acknowledged the troubles that the main character, Rita O'Grady, and her family went through. I thought that these scenes really made the movie because it shows the reality that life is not always pots of gold under the rainbow, but that everyone goes through hard times no matter how strong they seem on the outside. In addition, Made in Dagenham showed how families and loved ones can come through and support one another in the end. To conclude, Made in Dagenham did a wonderful job of expressing how many women around the world feel about the wage gap and the extreme actions that had to be taken in 1968 to make things right. Although pay inequality is still a major issue today, it is being acknowledged in many ways throughout the world, whether it's through foundations, companies, or movies like this one, it is still being fought for and as long as people keep working hard, someday the gap can be closed.

In 1968, the women at the Ford auto plant in Dagenham, England go on strike. As sewing machine operators making the coverings for car seats, their jobs have been reclassified from semi-skilled to unskilled. A friendly shop steward, tells strike leader Rita that this isn't about whether they are skilled or not. They're getting paid less because they are women and unless they change things, they will always make less than the men do. The women walk off the job and eventually the plant runs out of car seats with the entire plant threatening to shut down. With the men nearly out of work it's left to Rita to convince them they need the support of all worker to succeed. The intervention of a senior government Minister who takes up their cause despite a heavy- handed response from Ford clears the way for a solution and leads to legislation on equal pay for work of equal value.....I can imagine there is a fair demographic of men who will hate this film with a vengeance, and to be fair, it's portrayal of men comes across pretty typecast, we all want our dinner on the table, we all go to the pub after work, and we all treat women as lesser people, as seen when Rita complains to the teacher, or whenever Pike is on screen.But this little typecasting is intricate to the plot, and makes the womens journey that little bit more for-filling and making you say 'go on girls' in your head that little bit more.It's a phenomenal movie with some great performances, but Sally Hawkins really makes the film the emotional feast it is. Not only does Rita happen to accidentally run the strike, but she has to contend with abuse on the street and a husband who cannot cope with the change to his activities of daily living.Pike has never been better and Richardson also puts in a great performance as the minister who made it all happen for Rita and the girls.All in all it's pretty old fashioned with the way men are portrayed here, but as i've said before, it's vital to the plot, so I won't complain too much.

Made in Dagenham is one of those films producers think will be great just because it is based on real facts. Still, you need to tell the story the right way and direct it properly.The movie vacillates between not-so-funny comedy and emotionless drama. The script is flat, lacks depth and dynamism, some elements could have been better used like Lisa (the manager's wife). The general mood surrounding the factory is weirdly edulcorated, and doesn't seem to fit with the fight that is being presented to us.Ultimately, Made in Dagenham is long, boring and fails to arouse real interest despite a few good scenes.

The group of 187 women by Ford in their Dagenham plant, practically had to strip their clothes to be able to work in a steam room-like area where they sewed the upholstery for the cars the company made in England. Added to the terrible working conditions, the women were paid wages that were so low, it was a miracle they were able to subsist on such meager income. Rita O'Grady, one of the most outspoken workers, decided enough was enough. The year was 1968. The union organizer, Albert Passingham, saw in Rita a powerful ally, for he felt she was fearless against what the company was doing. It was easy for Rita to get started as she and the other ladies decided they have had it, so they decided to protest against what they saw as a clear act of discrimination against them for the simple fact of being women who would not dare to protest against the mighty company.Sally encounters all sorts of obstacles piled against the women workers. She and her comrades decide to strike, asking the men to join their protest. The result was a power struggle like no one seen in the country because it was a question of equality for women who demanded what was only proper and right: equal pay for equal work. Sally gets an unexpected ally from the wife of a Ford executive and from a Labor minister, Barbara Castle. They proved to be invincible because in spite of their trouble, they remained together in their aspirations for equality."Made in Dagenham", directed by Nigel Cole, evokes other films of the genre. "Norma Rae" and "North Country", both American made, reminded us never to underestimate a resolved woman whenever she decides to put an end to an oppression. William Ivory's screenplay plays well as he documents the details of the 1968 incident. It is basically a document about that era what emerges in this positive and inspiring film.The film owes a great deal of gratitude to its star, Sally Hawkins, who keeps getting better and better all the time. Her winning personality and screen persona go hand in hand in every project she is employed. Her Rita is a wonderful creation. Bob Hoskins appears as the union organizer, working together with the women and feeling their pain. Geraldine James has a pivotal role, as well as Rosamund Pike, the neglected wife of the Ford executive. Miranda Richardson is wonderful as Barbara Castle, the Labour minister who joined the women in their cause.