Made In Dagenham [M]

When the ladies at Ford in Dagenham decide to go on strike, it’s merely to gain some recognition for the skills that are needed to work on the factory floor and to receive some respect and fairness. But then the horrible truth hits home that the girls will never receive the same pay or privileges as the men, simply because they are women. What began as a simple work stoppage to gain recognition soon escalates into a nationwide strike that will continue until the women get equal pay or the economy crashes. 

From the director of the equally uplifting Calendar Girls and based on a amazing true story, Made in Dagenham was a very moving and inspirational film that will hold your attention right from the off, particularly if you’re female. Watching these women stand up and fight is enough to make any female viewer’s blood heat up and send adrenaline coursing through the body. It’s absolutely fabulous. 

When the ladies at Ford in Dagenham decide to go on strike, it’s merely to gain some recognition for the skills that are needed to work on the factory floor and to receive some respect and fairness. But then the horrible truth hits home that the girls will never receive the same pay or privileges as men simply for the fact that they are women. What begins as a simple 24-hour work stoppage to gain recognition soon escalates into a nationwide strike that will continue until the women get equal pay or the economy crashes. 

I think it’s a really wonderful and important thing that films like this, based on true stories and events, are being made because there are many people in the world, myself included, that live their life in their own little bubble and are oblivious to some of the hardships, political, legal, historical etc, that were and still are abundant in the world today. I mean sex equality and fairness in wages is something that the basic economy and society of a country is founded on. It’s movies like this one; that cause the more oblivious people in the audience to open their eyes and go “hang on a minute”. See, films are not just for entertainment, they are also on our screens to inspire and enlighten us. 

Kudos in this film must go to Sally Hawkins, who delivered a stunning performance as Rita, the ladies’ leader. When she made these empowering speeches, you could hear her voice wavering and you could really feel a power in her that was evident, but somewhat buried deep within. She was absolutely mesmerising to watch. You rock Sally! 

Starring Andrea Riseborough, Jaime Winstone, Geraldine James, Bob Hoskins, Daniel Mays, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Rosamund Pike, Kenneth Graham, Rupert Graves, and Miranda Richardson, Made In Dagenham was a wonderful film that was filled with drama, ideals, brilliant 60s outfits, comedy, and strength. I thought it was just wonderful.