A softly, softly salute to the women of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant. Tired of sexual discrimation and lower pay on the production line, the female workers walked out in protest – supported only in part by their union.
Director Nigel Cole (Saving Grace, Calendar Girls) brings heart and a light touch as Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water, Maudie) battles outside her comfort zone for the basic rights of women. Whether it’s the working class husband at home, the trade union bosses, educated middle class car plant management or politicians, 1960s attitude was the same across the board. And the 50 or so striking women are out to challenge that.
A real crowd-pleaser that avoids exploring its subject in any real depth, Made in Dagenham is an enjoyable Davida and Goliath story.
Rating: 65%
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