Academy award nominee Sally Hopkins did a terrific job in playing Rita O'Grady about a factory woman who leads a revolution for equal pay for women. The cast is first rate with Rosamund Pike, Geraldine James, Bob Hoskins and the divine Miranda Richardson as Barbara Castle. The women in the roles did a terrific job and the men do too. The film is a dramatization about the events at Ford Motor Company factory in Dagenham, London, England where the women got paid poorly to their male counterparts. When they learn that, they decide to do something about it.

Even in these, supposedly advanced, modern times, a lot of women get paid less than men for the same job. It doesn't get put bluntly, at least that much changed, as in 1968 Dagenham car plant. Because, if you can stomach that, the men are breadwinners, and women, I guess worked to fill the empty hours till the strong, protective fella comes home." Made in Dagenham" is a charming, almost fairytale, filled with catchy 60's pop music and loads of plucky, strong women. It could've easily been made as one of those dry as bones movies with an educational historical mission. Fortunately the director, Nigel Cole had both sense and talent, and told this incredible story with the right amount of humor and even melodrama. Having all of those marvelous British actors helped immensely, as usual.

Movies about equal rights for women aren't exactly abundant, which made this movie a very pleasant surprise. It's well made, representing the 60s on screen in a realistic manner, and well acted, featuring performances by some very good actors we sadly see to little of in the bigger productions, like Bob Hoskins. And its story is both true and important, and a true testament that history can be made anywhere, as long as those fighting for it stay true to their purpose and see it through. UK cinema has so much more than James Bond to offer, and there are many gems out there deserving to be discovered by a larger audience. This is one of them. Highly recommended!

The group of 187 women by Ford in their Dagenham plant, practically had to strip their clothes to be able to work in a steam room-like area where they sewed the upholstery for the cars the company made in England. Added to the terrible working conditions, the women were paid wages that were so low, it was a miracle they were able to subsist on such meager income. Rita O'Grady, one of the most outspoken workers, decided enough was enough. The year was 1968. The union organizer, Albert Passingham, saw in Rita a powerful ally, for he felt she was fearless against what the company was doing. It was easy for Rita to get started as she and the other ladies decided they have had it, so they decided to protest against what they saw as a clear act of discrimination against them for the simple fact of being women who would not dare to protest against the mighty company.Sally encounters all sorts of obstacles piled against the women workers. She and her comrades decide to strike, asking the men to join their protest. The result was a power struggle like no one seen in the country because it was a question of equality for women who demanded what was only proper and right: equal pay for equal work. Sally gets an unexpected ally from the wife of a Ford executive and from a Labor minister, Barbara Castle. They proved to be invincible because in spite of their trouble, they remained together in their aspirations for equality."Made in Dagenham", directed by Nigel Cole, evokes other films of the genre. "Norma Rae" and "North Country", both American made, reminded us never to underestimate a resolved woman whenever she decides to put an end to an oppression. William Ivory's screenplay plays well as he documents the details of the 1968 incident. It is basically a document about that era what emerges in this positive and inspiring film.The film owes a great deal of gratitude to its star, Sally Hawkins, who keeps getting better and better all the time. Her winning personality and screen persona go hand in hand in every project she is employed. Her Rita is a wonderful creation. Bob Hoskins appears as the union organizer, working together with the women and feeling their pain. Geraldine James has a pivotal role, as well as Rosamund Pike, the neglected wife of the Ford executive. Miranda Richardson is wonderful as Barbara Castle, the Labour minister who joined the women in their cause.