Review of Made in Dagenham (2010) by Damion R — 19 Dec 2010

In the late-60s, Ford Motor Company employed over 50000 men...and 187 women. Needless to say, these women were not treated equal. This is the true story of how the women of the Ford plant in Dagenham, UK banded together to do something about it...changing the way women were treated in the workplace worldwide.

Sally Hawkins, who was snubbed by the Academy two years ago after winning Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes for "Happy Go Lucky," plays Rita O'Grady, the woman who was chosen by the women of Ford Dagenham to lead them to equality. And that she did. In 1968, she rallied the female troupes and the women of Ford went on strike in protest of sexual discrimination.

In the way that Norma Rae brought to light the horrors of sexual harrassment, Rita O'Grady was a pioneer for women gertting equal pay for equal work.

Hawkins, who had early rumblings of Oscar again, brings to life this incredible story with such perfection, you want to stand up and cheer throughout the whole move. With exacting execution, you feel the plight these women were faced with, whether you're a man or a woman, and cannot help but to be completely enthralled with Hawkin's performance and want to stand behind her in defiance to the men who tried to keep her and all women in the workforce down.

"Made in Dagenham" might be a small film, but it will have a huge impact on anyone who watches it. Hawkins, both charming and strong, will have you cheering for not just her but all women, cheers that should still resonate today.