In 1968 women at the Ford car factory in Dagenham, UK, went on strike to be re-classed as skilled workers it lead to further action demanding equal pay. The women were responsible for making the seats covers and after a while as they were on strike the covers ran out, meaning car production had to stop and the whole factory came to a stand still. The women and the unions were at loggerheads for some time as orders came in from the headquarters in the US. Eventually with the secretary of state involved the demands were eventually met leading to a change in laws and better rights for women across the industrial world.
This is a fascinating story, perhaps even more so in today's society when woman's rights are much better. It is a very 'British' film, but a very well made one, with a superb cast including Sally Hawkins and Miranda Richardson. There are some wonderful relationships in the film, most of them are effected immensely by the events and it is these deeper moments that are quite moving. The story is the real highlight of the film, it is a remarkable story that really does prove determination is everything. The film recreates the late 1960's very well, occasionally using real stock footage which gives it a more authentic feel. It is interesting to see how the reactions this caused, from the unions and the Ford Corporations dismissal of the women as well as the anger as once the men are on strike and the pay stops.
A real turning point and a industrial landmark, the film provides not only an uplifting entertaining story but a history lesson. The short snippets of interviews of some of the actual women at the end are wonderful, although maybe too short.
More reviews at my site iheartfilms.weebly.com
This is a fascinating story, perhaps even more so in today's society when woman's rights are much better. It is a very 'British' film, but a very well made one, with a superb cast including Sally Hawkins and Miranda Richardson. There are some wonderful relationships in the film, most of them are effected immensely by the events and it is these deeper moments that are quite moving. The story is the real highlight of the film, it is a remarkable story that really does prove determination is everything. The film recreates the late 1960's very well, occasionally using real stock footage which gives it a more authentic feel. It is interesting to see how the reactions this caused, from the unions and the Ford Corporations dismissal of the women as well as the anger as once the men are on strike and the pay stops.
A real turning point and a industrial landmark, the film provides not only an uplifting entertaining story but a history lesson. The short snippets of interviews of some of the actual women at the end are wonderful, although maybe too short.
More reviews at my site iheartfilms.weebly.com