Made in Dagenham, the latest film from Nigel Cole (Calendar Girls) depicts the heart-warming story of working women in Ford assembly plant in Dagenham who, in 1968, walked out in protest against gender discrimination; a bold move that resulted in “Equal pay Act of 1970” in England.
Made in Dagenham is a well-made, witty, thoughtful and stylish movie that although is not a cinematic masterpiece, it is head and shoulders above much of what you can see these days in theatres. Sally Hawkins (Happy Go Lucky) brilliantly revives the heroine of the story; Rita O’grady, in an Oscar-worthy performance and the rest of the actors are no less impressive, specifically after you get use to their thick cockney accents that make the first twenty minutes of the movie, literally incomprehensible.
I admit that Made in Dagenham is, at times, predictable and it never shies away from using clichés. It is, nonetheless, an inspiring movie that challenges you to think and encourages you to empathize, and even shed a few tears on the side. Meanwhile, the movie keeps a fine line between optimism and realism and it is delightfully cautious, not to over-milk sentimental moments. It is an easily enjoyable movie that provides an utterly refreshing and satisfying experience.
I strongly recommend this movie, particularly to all my friends from Iran, where women have been fighting bravely, not for the right to equal pay, but sadly, for the right of equal existence! Made in Dagenham reassures you that if your cause is so obviously right, even an ostensibly powerless but highly motivated group can accomplish the seemingly impossible!
And for my female friends in North America: If this wonderful film, sells one cent short of that hideous “Sex and the city 2”, you should all be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves! So rush to the theatres and support the movie that empowers women, through encouraging them to demand their rightful place in the society, and not through excessive shoe shopping!
2 comments:
It's not only the states. The Americanization has propagated to Canada as well. Having moved to Montreal recently, I go to the movies every week and I am astonished to find myself with scarcely 2,3 other audience in the room with films like Incendie, never let me go, the round-up, London river.
My friend told me after 2 times seeing the cinema empty: This is a sign that it's a good movie!
:)
I lived in Montreal for more than 7 years and I can confirm that your friend is right! :)
However, now in Toronto, I can't stand the sound of potato chips' bag and popcorn crunch!!! I missed those empty theaters, badly...So enjoy them ;)
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