MOVIE REVIEW … MADE IN DAGENHAM

 

The saying goes ‘It’s a man’s world’.  Never was that truer than in the 1960’s where the social and sexual revolution began to growl against this mantra.  An event which helped it along was the 1968 Ford sewing machinist strike in England.  Whilst perhaps a small mark on the equality radar, its ramifications were felt for generations.  Made In Dagenham examines this in a somewhat clichéd style although its charms shines as bright as the women’s show of strength.

 

In 1968 Rita O’Grady (Sally Hawkins) works as a sewing machinist at the British based Dagenham assembly plant.  Along with her female co-workers, she becomes tired of the blatant discrimination shown by her bosses.  With the help of Union Shop Steward Albert (Bob Hoskins), they go on strike in order to achieve fair and equal pay.  Fighting for their rights, little would they know their actions would capture the attention of prominent politician Barbara Castle (Miranda Richardson) whose help would lead to a lasting and landmark ruling.

British television and film has always had a good handle on stories relating to the class system.  Made In Dagenham is no different as it proves the adage ‘a leader is not born but made’.  Rita’s ability in stirring her colleagues to discard apathy in favour of action galvanises her personal convictions.  What’s interesting is how these deeds have a flow on affect throughout their lives and the country with ingrained sexist attitudes of male hierarchy the main barrier between victory and defeat.

Thankfully it avoids the trap of using a pop soundtrack as a crutch to create the era and nor does it slide into a sickly sweet ‘feel good’ vibe.  Whilst there’s a formula at play with its mix of comedy and drama delivered a bit too self-consciously to fully work, it makes a fair effort in creating genuine characters ground in reality. You care what happens to them; with the clout of a political party showing the convictions of their beliefs an unfortunate rare sight.

While big business may have eventually won by automating much of their work-force, Made In Dagenham focuses in a period where people actually stood for something.  Questioning instead of accepting what’s dished out, this 60’s parable is one we could still learn from today.

Movie Review Rating   6 / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Made In Dagenham released in Australia on Thursday November 2010.

If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Made In Dagenham

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.

Official HomePage click HERE