Invaderbank
The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.
Hayden Kane
There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes
Kien Navarro
Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.
steveo122
Good history, good script, good production, good performances.
Good.
TheLittleSongbird
The talented cast and the interesting subject matter were Made in Dagenham's selling points, and Made in Dagenham doesn't disappoint. Sure it is formulaic and the opposition is not as well-developed or as interesting as the machinists(Kenneth Cranham's character is a little one-dimensional), otherwise it is a terrific film that is as successful in comedy as it is in drama and balances both very well.Made in Dagenham's production values are superb, the 1960s setting and period detail is remarkably vivid and it's beautifully shot. The catchy soundtrack also excels in bringing the 60s to life and nothing came over as misplaced. Nigel Cole's direction is never too flashy and never simplistic and always assured, technically accomplished and with the ability to tell a story with heart and that's always engaging. There is a great story here, while it is formulaic the balance of comedy, how it handles its subject with such truth and no one-sided-ness and drama and mix of gritty social history make it always interesting and more than makes up for that. The ending is very uplifting and affecting, and it is easy for identify with the machinists and their struggles every step of the way.The film's very intelligently scripted, with the subject matter dealt with insightfully and with tension and the dialogue is hilariously entertaining in the comedy and genuinely touching in the drama. I also found the characters compelling and easy to relate to, but if there is one asset that was especially good in Made in Dagenham it was the acting. Sally Hawkins is a revelation in the lead role and she is brilliantly supported by a scene-stealing Miranda Richardson, a movingly sympathetic Bob Hoskins, a funny and moving Rosamund Pike in one of her better performances, a sleazy Kenneth Cranham and a heart-wrenching Roger Lloyd Pack et al. All in all, a terrific film with even better acting. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Ben Larson
Things like sexual harassment and poor working conditions are worth fighting for. They should not exist and need to be dispelled.But equal pay for women should not even be on the table. The job does not have a gender; it has skills and experiences. It does not matter whom is doing the job, the pay should be the same. That this issue is still being discussed is a black mark on society. The Equal Pay Act passed Congress in 1963, Britain granted equal pay based on sex in 1970. The action in the film occurs in 1968.The first reaction by Ford in the film is to send an American to find something in Rita O'Grady's (Sally Hawkins) life or character to bring her down. The film is based on the true story of Rita O'Grady and the working women who made history with their quest for justice from the Ford Motor Company. Henry Ford founded his company on the premise that autos should be affordable so that Ford employees can own one. Ford executives in this film are not cognizant that both men and women in Britain must bicycle to work at Ford, something that would surely change when women received equal pay.Besides Hawkins, there are great performances by Miranda Richardson, Bob Hoskins, and Rosamund Pike.
jotix100
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.
