Review of Made in Dagenham (2010) by Bob L — 07 Oct 2010

I may be biased, as this is not only about some of my local history and I had a relative who worked there, but this is brilliant! Bob Hoskins plays the pivotal role modestly, and anyone who couldn't see through Sally Hawkins annoying character in Happy Go Lucky is left in no doubt about her acting talents here.

John Sessions version of Harold Wilson is a little bit Mike Yarwood but is kept to a minimum, and Richardsons Barbara Castle is brilliant. The portrayal of the era is done remarkably accurate (I recognise the use of the bits of Dagenham that haven't changed) although I have my doubts about how run down the womens work environment actually was.

The tone is very 'feel good' and is an important picture of a crucial time for human rights in this country that was echoed around the world (although who would have thought the biggest blow for womens equality would have come from Essex!) All in all a good film that not only lifts the spirits but is a good history lesson.