England, 1968. Teased hair, rock and roll, overly constructed bras, Mary Quant hot pants, and the fight for equal pay and rights for women in industry.
"Made in Dagenham", directed by Nigel Cole, is an emotionally satisfying and quietly inspiring film about the battle against gender discrimination and the expansion of the labor movement to include women. The excellent Sally Hawkins plays Rita O'Grady, an unlikely heroine, with heart and grit. Bob Hoskins is an ideal casting choice as her supportive mentor in the battle. Daniel Mays is terrific as Rita's mildly conflicted husband, Eddie. And Miranda Richardson as the Secretary of Labor is superbly fiery.
The entire cast has a lively and credible balance, supported by a great script. The film veers dangerously close to melodrama in depiction of domestic strife, but is saved by a thread with quality performances and sure handed direction.
"Made in Dagenham" is particularly timely in our current economic challenges with labor unions assaulted by Big Business, the media and societal fears.
See it and cheer for the protection of women and men who make life as we know it possible in the First World, and for the protection of collective bargaining as an aspect of a functioning democracy.
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