Made in Dagenham

R

Released Nov 19, 2010

1 hr. 53 min.

Comedy

Drama

Biography

List

80%

131 Reviews

Tomatometer

75%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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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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

william k

Likeable and lightweight period piece with a spirited cast depicting an important episode of British history, the political stance, however, quite toned down.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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

Audience Member

Pretty good. A British "Norma Rae" with more winsome gals ... A time capsule - and one of my shorter Reviews! A Comment on Barney's blarney below: There's nothing Leftist about this film at all. Poland's long march to freedom from Marxist, Leninist, Stalinist, Beatty'ish Soviet oppression came through the trade union movement. Righties rarely know enough to know this.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

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Nigel Cole

Director

Sally Hawkins

Rita O'Grady

Bob Hoskins

Albert

Miranda Richardson

Barbara Castle

Geraldine James

Connie

Rosamund Pike

Lisa Hopkins

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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

Connie Ogle

Miami Herald

Made in Dagenham gamely depicts an interesting bit of history, but its real message is a matter of principle.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 31, 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

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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
Screenwriter: William Ivory
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Stephen Woolley, Number 9 Films, Ellen M. Krass Productions
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
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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