Made in Dagenham (2010)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Nicki M

  
  I saw all but the very end of this (had to return to library and ran out of time to finish it). I don't feel like I really need to have seen it all. This is quite a predictable movie, I am sure I could take a guess how it ended! It's actually a little dull, though it has… More
  I saw all but the very end of this (had to return to library and ran out of time to finish it). I don't feel like I really need to have seen it all. This is quite a predictable movie, I am sure I could take a guess how it ended! It's actually a little dull, though it has good performances and I enjoyed the 60's setting and outfits. Nice enough film to watch, but nothing exciting.

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: Sally Hawkins, Andrea Riseborough, Jaime Winstone, Lorraine Stanley, Nicola Duffett, Geraldine James, Bob Hoskins, Matthew Aubrey, Daniel Mays, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Miranda Richardson Director: Nigel Cole Summary: Sally Hawkins stars in this cheeky dramatization of the landmark… More
  Cast: Sally Hawkins, Andrea Riseborough, Jaime Winstone, Lorraine Stanley, Nicola Duffett, Geraldine James, Bob Hoskins, Matthew Aubrey, Daniel Mays, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Miranda Richardson Director: Nigel Cole Summary: Sally Hawkins stars in this cheeky dramatization of the landmark 1968 labor strike initiated by hundreds of women who rebelled against discrimination and demanded the same pay as men for their work in a London automobile manufacturing plant. My Thoughts: "Sally Hawkins is great in the film. The movie is based on true events, which always makes a film that much more interesting. I never even new about 1986 labor strike. So the film, for me, was a learning experience. A great film for women. All the ladies in the film did a fantastic job at telling the story. Not being familiar to the story, I found myself cheering right along with the women. It's definitely a film that will bring tears to your eyes for the sad things they go through to their triumph. A great film."

• paul s

  
  A wonderful look into a time and a place, Made in Dagenham on the surface tells the tale of how 187 women auto workers (they ran Singer sewing machines all day making upholstery for Ford) banded together and brought about equal pay for women. But looking beyond that admirable feat,… More
  A wonderful look into a time and a place, Made in Dagenham on the surface tells the tale of how 187 women auto workers (they ran Singer sewing machines all day making upholstery for Ford) banded together and brought about equal pay for women. But looking beyond that admirable feat, you have a nice look into the glass ceiling, good old boy network, as well as the standard mores of the time where women were considered second class citizens. The film may be a bit too "bright, shiny day" as it seems Sally Hawkins simply cannot do otherwise, but while you may be wishing to delve into more pathos, the story told here is a good one and it's told well. Simply from a historical perspective... 50,000 employees at Ford's Dagenham plant (and many more at another plant in Liverpool) - that makes up a considerable work force - something that perhaps Americans were unaware of back then, as Ford was the #1 company on the planet. That Ford employed so many people world wide makes the backbones of the story all the more creditable - from Ford's standpoint, if they cave in to the women's demands to be treated as equal "skilled labor" to the men, the trickle down world wide would amount to a fair chunk of change. So they use their power by numbers to attempt to influence the new Prime Minister (and, as fate would have it, the leader of the Labor Party). Richard Schiff portrays Ford's agent abroad and has a wonderful toe to toe with the Labor Secretary, in a typically marvelous performance by Miranda Richardson. Richardson's Ms. Castle knows the political game, and treads lightly for a time before telling two "good old boy" aids who have been advising her to step up and stop the strike in a condescending manor, "gentlemen, you've heard the tales about fiery red-heads, well I'm here to suggest that the rumors are true. Look at my hair and let me tell you that I'm tired of your pompous, condescending attitude; so get the hell out of my office!!" Pure Richardson with perfect delivery. The film also delves into union graft where you get to see the similarly wonderful Bob Hoskins on display, playing a shop steward and everyman, with a twinkle in his eye as he thumbs his nose at his "betters" - the union brass. Further you get a glimpse of a 1968 way of life - Ford provided the housing for their workers, also providing schooling for the children - which unfortunately allows for yet another display of class warfare as the uppity teachers look down their nose at the children of the working class. In addition, you are witness to the struggles of Hawkins family, especially concerning her relationship with her husband, a fellow Auto worker. When the plant is shut down due to there no longer being any upholstery for the assembly line, it takes a toll, especially in light of hubby having to man more and more of the family chores as Hawkins is running about campaigning. There's a scene in which he complains to her, and says that while he supports what she's trying to accomplish, he's feeling taken advantage of. He then tries to lay it on that he's a good guy, hardly ever in his cups, and never raising a hand to Hawkins or her children. Hawkins glares at him as if he's from another planet and utters that his behavior should be the norm. That this Nuevo suffragette movement came at the same time as the civil rights movement in the US is no coincidence, and it makes me wonder... if all the protests from that period could have such a sweeping effect and change, will the current "occupy" movement and backlash against non-representational government net a similar result? Wouldn't that be something!

• Cynthia S

  
  This is one of those movies that tells a story that everyone really should know. It's important, and therefore a must-see. They didn't tell the story in the most engaging way possible, but it's a decent enough telling.

• Anthony L

  
  Made in Dagenham tells a great story, all the better because it's true. I liked it, I can't stand Rosamund Pike and Jaime Winstone but the brilliant Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins and Miranda Richardson more than make up for it. I wish it had been a little more gritty though, I… More
  Made in Dagenham tells a great story, all the better because it's true. I liked it, I can't stand Rosamund Pike and Jaime Winstone but the brilliant Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins and Miranda Richardson more than make up for it. I wish it had been a little more gritty though, I don't feel the hardships that people went through during the strikes were properly or sincerely delivered and at times it all seemed to pander towards an American audience as quite often British made films do. It seems Nigel Cole's way of trying to reel this in is to go all 'Carry On' - a favourite of the sixties but not really a good representation of how life really was. The props were a little too good too, seeing as these relatively poor families wouldn't have everything new and the decor was more that of the 1950s but the office sets are a lot more realistic and just like when I used to visit my Dad's work as a boy. Don't get me started on the continuity errors. All that aside though, good on the makers for bringing this story to the screen, it's a long time coming and the film still delivers the importance of the tale. The great scenes between Miranda Richardson and John Sessions as Barbara Castle and Harold Wilson worth the watch alone!

• Roy G

  
  The unexpected thing about "Made in Dagenham" is how entertaining it is.

• Lewis C

  
  Made in Dagenham is a feel-good dramatization of the Ford machinists strike of 1968, in which a group of female factory workers took on one of the largest companies in the world over the issue of equal pay, and won. They faced pressures from their homes, their employers, and other… More
  Made in Dagenham is a feel-good dramatization of the Ford machinists strike of 1968, in which a group of female factory workers took on one of the largest companies in the world over the issue of equal pay, and won. They faced pressures from their homes, their employers, and other unions, but in the end this group of women achieved an incredible feat that propelled an important cause forward. It's fitting that a movie about crucial events in the quest for women's rights would have such a great female cast. Sally Hawkins is as excellent as always, and she's joined by Miranda Richardson (in a fantastic role), Rosamund Pike (who needs to be in way more movies), and several other fine actresses in smaller roles. One of the finest (in the literal sense) being Andrea Riseborough, who I know have a massive crush on. Dagenham is just a fun movie that covers some very important and serious events in a way that keeps things interesting. I recommend it, whether you're familiar with the events that inspired it or not.

• jay n

  
  An interesting and little known story of the fight by a group of women for the simple right of equal pay for equal work that set a standard that really changed the work a day world for all women. There are so many high quality performances among the cast it's hard to single… More
  An interesting and little known story of the fight by a group of women for the simple right of equal pay for equal work that set a standard that really changed the work a day world for all women. There are so many high quality performances among the cast it's hard to single anyone out but Sally Hawkins anchors the movie with a strong centred performance. Geraldine James, Rosamund Pike and particularly Miranda Richardson, she's wonderfully flinty, all do work that is the essence of what supporting performances should do for a picture. They build upon and strengthen the main idea showing the many levels and layers to the issue at hand. It's a shame the film didn't draw more attention at Oscar time, all these women are worthy. Bob Hoskins is also terrific as a more enlightened coworker. The director keeps the picture moving along making sure that even if side stories are shown they still relate in some meaningful way to the main thrust of the film. Worth your while.

• Aaron N

  
  Rita O'Grady: All right, um, everybody out!

• Mark A

  
  I absolutely adored this little English bulldog who wound up changing the course of history by defying Ford Motor Company in the struggle for women's rights. Sally Hawkins was totally believable as the simple housewife and "unskilled" laborer, Rita O'Grady who… More
  I absolutely adored this little English bulldog who wound up changing the course of history by defying Ford Motor Company in the struggle for women's rights. Sally Hawkins was totally believable as the simple housewife and "unskilled" laborer, Rita O'Grady who forced Ford to begin to level the playing field for women's pay. Her grit and sheer force of will brought the multi-national corporation to its knees. The supporting cast was phenomenal as well. I did not detect one false note. Rosamund Pike, as the wife of the plant manager was riveting. Her portrayal as an extremely intelligent woman relegated to the role of trophy wife gave off sparks. Bob Hoskins often said as much with his facial expressions as any line of dialog could ever convey. A pleasure to watch him work. The costumes were terrific, perfectly evoking the era of the mid to late sixties. And the story was nothing short of compelling. I watched it twice in quick succession and found it equally riveting both times. This evoked tears, cheers and full belly laughs all in the space of a couple of minutes. This is why I watch movies!

• Walter M

  
  Of 55,000 Ford factory employees in England in 1968, 187 of them were women, working in a poorly ventilated room with a leaking roof. That's not the worst of it as they found out their skill level has just been downgraded. As Albert(Bob Hoskins), their union representative,… More
  Of 55,000 Ford factory employees in England in 1968, 187 of them were women, working in a poorly ventilated room with a leaking roof. That's not the worst of it as they found out their skill level has just been downgraded. As Albert(Bob Hoskins), their union representative, puts it, it is more serious than it sounds because they will now make much less than men. So, Albert brings along Connie(Geraldine James), the shop steward, and Rita(Sally Hawkins), whose husband Eddie(Daniel Mays) also works at the factory, to a meeting where Rita makes a couple of valid points. That is not the end of her involvement as she also takes the lead by calling a one day work stoppage to get the bosses' attention. If you only get to see one inspiring English period piece based on a true story where somebody finds his or her true voice this holiday season, then definitely check out "Made in Dagenham" which is about what can be accomplished in numbers, no matter how small, especially on the subject of payroll equity which is still an important issue.(Yes, I know Rita is a composite character but I'm on a roll here.) Albert might nudge Rita a little in the right direction but this is all her show and Sally Hawkins does a superb job playing a character who finally gets to express herself and people to listen. In fact, the most pivotal character might be Lisa Hopkins(Rosamund Pike), the wife of a factory boss(Rupert Graves), who could have just easily been just another two-dimensional villain/bitch but is instead much more sympathetic, showing the women's struggle to cross class lines, despite the cool dueling Marx's quotes. Whereas I know government minister Barbara Castle(Miranda Richardson) is important to history, her involvement in this particular story comes at a particularly odd angle. Plus, the ending feels anticlimactic with everything that it has taken to get to that point. The movie gets a lot of period details right, especially the chauvinism of the time, but men not being able to cook is something of a cliche because my dad who married in 1967 has always been able to cook. And wasn't Jane Fonda still a bimbo in 1968, the year "Barbarella" was released?

• Glenn G

  
  This is a lovely and evocative film about the fight for equal pay by a group of female factory workers in late 60s England. Set to a swinging soundtrack and featuring really wonderful performances by Sally Hawkins, Miranda Richardson and Bob Hoskins, this incredibly neglected true… More
  This is a lovely and evocative film about the fight for equal pay by a group of female factory workers in late 60s England. Set to a swinging soundtrack and featuring really wonderful performances by Sally Hawkins, Miranda Richardson and Bob Hoskins, this incredibly neglected true story is able to be funny, moving, and constantly vibrant without feeling like yet another quaint English village film like so many FULL MONTY repeats we've been subjected to over the years. Credit is due director Nigel Cole for infusing the film with a very alive look and feel, William Ivory's screenplay, which is a tightrope walk between realism and speechifying, Andrew McAlpine's masterful production design (every wallpaper choice is just right and the Ford auto plant is so well-rendered), Louise St. Gernsward's perfect costume design, and Lizzie Georgiu's showstopping hair and makeup. You really feel the characters here and the burgeoning woman's movement. Miranda Richardson could easily have been over-the-top in her showy performance, but is given such wonderful grace note moments to balance it out. I especially loved an almost throwaway 3rd act moment between Hawkins and her when they drop the politics and talk about clothes. At the screening I attended (with the director and its two stars present), a female audience member summed it up beautifully by telling the panel, "Thank you for making this film. In a time where I feel the woman's movement has moved backwards, this is a reminder that it shouldn't." Extra points for casting the great Geraldine James as Hawkins' best friend. It's hard for a LITTLE BRITAIN fan like me to look at her and not think, "Bitty Mommy", but her performance is so earthy and real here, I almost forgot....almost.

• Panta O

  
  It was a real pleasure to watch 1 h 53 minute of real life drama well made in a movie which stands out the way the real events stood out in the time when those events were happening. Made in Dagenham was released as We Want Sex in Germany and Italy and We Want Sex Equality in France… More
  It was a real pleasure to watch 1 h 53 minute of real life drama well made in a movie which stands out the way the real events stood out in the time when those events were happening. Made in Dagenham was released as We Want Sex in Germany and Italy and We Want Sex Equality in France but even with R rated is not a movie about sex... This wonderful British film, directed by Nigel Cole, is a story about Rita O'Grady, a factory worker who leads the 1968 Ford sewing machinists strike at the Ford Dagenham plant. It was a real historical event where female workers walk out in protest against sexual discrimination, demanding equal pay. The strike was successful and leads to the Equal Pay Act 1970. The film stars amazingly strong cast: Sally Hawkins, Miranda Richardson, Rosamund Pike and Jaime Winstone. I enjoyed everything, from the perfectly crafted screenplay, carefully chosen stars, to very precise directing and unusual theme song, with lyrics by Billy Bragg, performed by Sandie Shaw, herself a former Dagenham Ford clerk. Watch it - you'll enjoy it!

• Linda K

  
  Utterly inspiring story with powerful female characters! It is not a feminist film, hence men can equally enjoy this film because it is about basic human equality.

• Kyle S

  
  Sally Hawkins delivers the BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE OF 2010. This film really surprised me. I expected it to be solid, but when I got out it was in my top 20 of the year. Great performances from everyone involved, along with great writing and directing. A huge supporting cast of well… More
  Sally Hawkins delivers the BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE OF 2010. This film really surprised me. I expected it to be solid, but when I got out it was in my top 20 of the year. Great performances from everyone involved, along with great writing and directing. A huge supporting cast of well known British players consisting of: Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson, Geraldine James, Rosamund Pike, Daniel Mays, Andrea Riseborough, Jaime Winstone, Lorraine Stanley, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Andrew Lincoln, Kenneth Cranham, Rupert Graves, Angus Barnett, John Sessions, and Matt King. It's basically a who's who of British cinema. Richard Schiff plays a key role as an American represetative in England, and Danny Huston has a cameo over the phone, similar to that of John Hamm in "A Single Man." Directed by Nigel Cole (Saving Grace, Callendar Girls.) While this film has received fantastic critical reception, it's a shame it's being overlooked by most award shows, I'm hoping to see see some Oscar nods.

• Andrew P

  
  A superb and thought provoking look at the 1960s movement for equal rights for women. Excellently written, a superb style for the film and all of the actors are pitch perfect. Sally Hawkins is a perfect lead female and is such a stunning actress. Bob Hoskins is loveable and while some… More
  A superb and thought provoking look at the 1960s movement for equal rights for women. Excellently written, a superb style for the film and all of the actors are pitch perfect. Sally Hawkins is a perfect lead female and is such a stunning actress. Bob Hoskins is loveable and while some of the sub plots get lost in the bigger picture that's not to say they aren't as good. Its an insightful film about how women were treated just 50 years ago, and a great example of fighting for what you believe is right. People should see this and give it the recognition it deserves.

• ernest e

  
  Made for TV movie. Successful but painful struggle for equal pay. Not an light uplifting comedy as some people see it. I support the cause but cannot like this movie for making misery something cool and acceptable. People strugling and suffering to set greedy selfish companys… More
  Made for TV movie. Successful but painful struggle for equal pay. Not an light uplifting comedy as some people see it. I support the cause but cannot like this movie for making misery something cool and acceptable. People strugling and suffering to set greedy selfish companys straight. Another example where UK media boosts its own crap with lies.

Read all 17 featured audience ratings