A dramatisation of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant in London, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination. Made infamous by the strikers' banner, which read "We want sexual equality" but only unfurled enough to read "We want sex", much to the mirth of passing motorists.
Stars a cast of fantastic Brit thespians including Happy-Go-Lucky's Sally Hawkins, Miranda Richardson and Bob Hoskins. From the director of Calendar Girls.
I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.
It's perhaps highly appropriate that this movie should open in a week that not only included Labour Day but when employment laws and union action dominated the headlines. Despite its premise, this may not be the Christmas party movie for Helen Kelle(er)y and her troops, as the unions are portrayed as out of touch and out of control while Hawkins's "Revlon Revolutionary" and the rest of the 187 machinists take matters into their own hands (Gerry Brownlee would probably be a big fan of PM Harold Wilson's beer and pork pie approach to negotiations, though).
Following in the footsteps of The Boat That Rocked, Calendar Girls and Kinky Boots (and their grittier predecessors Brassed Off and The Full Monty), this is light-entertainment with a message, with clearly defined goodies (the girls) and baddies (almost everybody else). Filled with recognisable faces (the cuddly Hoskins, the steely Richardson, the classy Pike) and character archetypes (hard working, party loving, tough-talking heroines, buffoons in suits, callous Yanks) mixing stirring speeches with sexual inneundo, Nigel Cole's film is sometimes in danger of heading into Carry On Machinists territory. However, an evocative soundtrack and the usual British attention to recreating the late 1960s, as well as a solid, dramatic cast keep the tone on a level heading.
By James Croot, Flicks.co.nz
As a woman, it would be difficult not to enjoy this film. It plays out the Dagenham battle which had a far greater impact on pay equality for women that had even been thought of when the first 'everybody' out' was called. But political lesson aside, the film is very watchable just to be reminded of the the attitudes and fashions of the day - a leap back in time for the baby-boomers. 60s music ices the feel-good show!
Entertaining and well acted. Based on a true story, Rita O'Grady is inspiring in her commitment and drive. An important peice of our history & well worth seeing.
It was a feel-good movie well acted. The characters were credible with the heros and villians and a somewhat fairly predictable story line, however I still enjoyed the story which held my interest from go to whoa given that it was history in the making and given authenticity during the credits of the actual people involved giving their penneth's worth. Highly recommended
Sally Hawkins and her home life in the film are well portrayed. Miranda Richardson as Barbara Castle is a complete highlight. It was probably made for telly but worth an afternoon viewing to get a bit of history under your belt
In 1968, the Ford factory in Dagenham, East London, was brought to grinding halt by a strike by the staff of the upholstery shop.
While the political grit behind the saga is somewhat sidelined, this is a fun watch enhanced by its stellar British cast.
It's uncomplicated fare, overly spiced with 60s cliches, right down to the louche fashion photographer who lies on his back to snap his pics. But the film is also robust, amiable and so warm-hearted you'd be a churl to take against it. Hawkins gives a winning performance as the working-class sparrow who grows slowly in stature.
It’s jolly stuff, yet for all the bawdy banter, there’s a Boat That Rocked-like sense of a genuinely interesting moment being regurgitated as a cuddly sitcom.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 28th Oct 2010.
Release date: October 28th 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
