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“You’re a saint now, is that what you’re telling me, Eddie? You're a bleeding saint cause you give us an even break?... That’s as it should be! You try and understand that. It’s rights, it’s not privileges, it’s that easy, it really bloody is.”
Made in Dagenham is based on the true story of female machinists at a Ford Factory who went on strike in 1968, first at protest in being reclassified as unskilled workers, then to demand equal pay with the men. It follows Rita O’Grady (Sally Hawkins) as she develops from the reluctant worker who only takes the lead because there’s no-one else to a tough and confident spokeswoman who spearheads a campaign that eventually leads them to the government itself.
This is a feel-good film of the very best kind. In recent years, many films have been given that label mistakenly (Slumdog Millionaire), but Made in Dagenham very much deserves it. There are certainly moments of darkness, particularly as the strike lengthens and the practicalities of the women’s actions become increasingly difficult for the families to sustain, but overall, the film demonstrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things and triumphing in the most glorious way. Sure, you can probably predict most of the plot even if you don’t know the true story, but when it’s done this well, that really doesn’t matter.
The similarities between this film and Calendar Girls, one of director Nigel Cole’s previous films, are easy to see. Both are based on a true story of strong women do something unusual for a cause they feel passionately about. But, while I’m very fond of Calendar Girls, this is a better film. It’s telling a story that is significant in the history of feminism, and yet isn’t widely known about. There are also scenes of real darkness that don’t feel contrived or shoe-horned in. The direction is deft, balancing the more sombre scenes with the frequent funny ones – I particularly enjoyed the women stripping down to their bras in the heat of the factory and then hastily redressing when Brenda shouts the arrival of one of the men. It’s just a pity that films with such strong female characters and friendships are the exception and not the norm in recent years.
The men in the film might feel a little underwritten at times, but the acting more than makes up for it, particularly Daniel Mays as Rita’s husband, caught between pride in his wife and hurt at what her campaigning is doing to the family, and the marvellous Bob Hoskins as the union leader who sets Rita off on her crusade. But, as it should, the film belongs to the women. Andrea Riseborough and Jaime Winstone impress as the younger factory members in their fabulous mid-60s fashions, while the ethereal Rosamund Pike makes the most of her small but key role. In the centre of it all, Sally Hawkins shines as Rita. You can almost see her confidence rising as the fight escalates, while she delivers Rita’s impassioned speeches with the necessary force and heart.
This film delivers real emotion while telling a fascinating story with strong, believable women as its heart and soul. I can honestly say that Made in Dagenham is one of the most charming, touching and downright entertaining films I’ve seen in a long time.
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