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Made in Dagenham

Play trailer Poster for Made in Dagenham R Released Nov 19, 2010 1h 53m Comedy Drama Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 129 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
Rita O'Grady (Sally Hawkins) works for the Ford Motor Co. plant in Dagenham, England. Despite performing the specialized task of sewing upholstery for car seats, women are classified as unskilled labor and paid much less than men. Encouraged by a sympathetic union representative, Rita agrees to bring the women's grievances to Ford. The meeting goes badly and, outraged by the company's lack of respect for them, Rita leads her colleagues to strike.
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Made in Dagenham

Made in Dagenham

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Critics Consensus

Organized around a terrific performance by Sally Hawkins, Made in Dagenham is a stirring call for pay equity replete with heart and wit.

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Critics Reviews

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Alyx Vesey Bitch Media The film's success resides in its ability to balance the mundane with the revolutionary. I was moved by stolen moments between Hawkins and Lisa Hopkins (Pike). Jan 11, 2021 Full Review Deborah Ross The Spectator Although Made in Dagenham is far from perfect and has a particular fondness for those impromptu speeches which turn out to be stirringly spot-on, it is so warm-hearted and affectionate it wouldn't be right to take against it. Aug 30, 2018 Full Review Amy Biancolli Houston Chronicle A spirited look -- well written, beautifully acted, full of uplift -- at lovably cheeky heroines on the march for a little respect. Rated: 3/4 Jan 7, 2011 Full Review Joanne Laurier World Socialist Web Site Cole's movie is an attractive package with a populist veneer. Mar 1, 2021 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Incredibly stirring and inspiring. Rated: 3.0/4.0 Sep 15, 2020 Full Review Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens A woman's work is never done. Be it at home or in the workplace, it takes a woman to move a mountain - or Ford Motor Company. Nov 16, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Glafira Regina O We all know that there was a time when women couldn’t work, couldn’t vote, couldn’t do a whole lot—relegated to being mere extensions of their husbands. But knowing that and actually imagining living like that are two different things. As someone living in the 21st century, it’s genuinely hard for me to picture that kind of life. And yet, that era is only a few decades behind us. Before watching this film, I used to think of the women who stood up against discrimination as some kind of superheroes. But the BBC movie changed my perspective, showing me ordinary people with ordinary lives who simply made the brave decision to fight for justice. It started out as a regular strike, but it ended up becoming a turning point that changed the world. Living in a "man’s world," where any fair treatment toward women was viewed as condescension, these women had the spirit and perseverance to keep going, even when things got tough. Who knows what kind of rules we’d be living under now if not for those brave Ford factory women? A major bonus for the film is its cast: Sally Hawkins, Rupert Graves, Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson… those are the names I knew, but everyone else left a great impression as well. Classic British cinema—what can I say? Bad actors or bad films just don’t seem to happen over there. But Sally Hawkins—she’s absolutely wonderful! I already liked her as an actress, but after this movie, I think she might just become one of my favourites. I watched the film on a dark winter night, but despite the gloomy setting, I had this constant feeling that a warm summer sun was quietly shining somewhere nearby. This is a beautiful, heartwarming, and kind film. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/17/25 Full Review Dia T I’d never seen a life/work setup quite like it. Not just a factory, not just a company store, but a whole factory village, in which the flats were all biking distance to and from work and everyone knew who their neighbours were because they were all coworkers. It seems like some type of communist utopia, very foreign to me, yet I think it would be nice if our jobs provided housing that was nearby and also gave them a chance to get some physical activity on their brief commute. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/03/24 Full Review steven a Hawkins' engaging performance and a priceless turn as MP Barbara Castle by Richardson are the film's main strengths. Hoskins gives solid support as the union man who supports the strike. The route to the women's eventual victory is oversimplified by Ivory's script as the need for feel-good entertainment competes for attention with the more serious political points, which are only superficially dealt with. The 1960s vibe is created through subtle costume and production design and the obligatory use of period pop songs. Despite its cliches, there is much to enjoy thanks largely to the skill of the actors. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Great film! Excellent performances! Demonstrates the stupidity of sexism and the power of positive social change! Bob Hoskins is delightful in this film. #feminism #workersrights #equality Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review kyle v Reviewed 10.15.19 In 1968 a small group of disrespected female machinists at a British Ford Motor plant went on strike for equal pay. It's based on a true story you'd think we'd all know, but like the women in the movie, had been overlooked. Kudos to producer Stephen Woolley for shining a light on it. Because even now, the battle persists. Sally Hawkins stars as Rita O'Grady, a working class mother that 'has got a bigger set of balls' than the three union bosses that turn on her. That line is delivered by Bob Hoskins, loveable as Albert, her confidante that's driven by his own mother's past. Hawkins adds her own personal sort of charm to a role that could have easily slipped into an 'angry female' caricature. Rosamund Pike, a true talent awaiting her star-making role, further elevates the proceedings. The story is completely predictable, but serves as an entertaining and important chronicle. And unlike the macho male history of conflict that weighs down our annals, this true story of women and men fighting together for what's clearly right, provides a blueprint for a more just future. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Pretty good movie starring sally Hawkins. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Made in Dagenham

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Movie Info

Synopsis Rita O'Grady (Sally Hawkins) works for the Ford Motor Co. plant in Dagenham, England. Despite performing the specialized task of sewing upholstery for car seats, women are classified as unskilled labor and paid much less than men. Encouraged by a sympathetic union representative, Rita agrees to bring the women's grievances to Ford. The meeting goes badly and, outraged by the company's lack of respect for them, Rita leads her colleagues to strike.
Director
Nigel Cole
Producer
Elizabeth Karlsen, Stephen Woolley
Screenwriter
William Ivory
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Ellen M. Krass Productions, Number 9 Films, Stephen Woolley
Rating
R (Language|Brief Sexuality)
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 19, 2010, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 28, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.1M
Runtime
1h 53m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
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