We all know that there was a time when women couldn’t work, couldn’t vote, couldn’t do a whole lot—relegated to being mere extensions of their husbands. But knowing that and actually imagining living like that are two different things. As someone living in the 21st century, it’s genuinely hard for me to picture that kind of life. And yet, that era is only a few decades behind us. Before watching this film, I used to think of the women who stood up against discrimination as some kind of superheroes. But the BBC movie changed my perspective, showing me ordinary people with ordinary lives who simply made the brave decision to fight for justice. It started out as a regular strike, but it ended up becoming a turning point that changed the world. Living in a "man’s world," where any fair treatment toward women was viewed as condescension, these women had the spirit and perseverance to keep going, even when things got tough. Who knows what kind of rules we’d be living under now if not for those brave Ford factory women? A major bonus for the film is its cast: Sally Hawkins, Rupert Graves, Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson… those are the names I knew, but everyone else left a great impression as well. Classic British cinema—what can I say? Bad actors or bad films just don’t seem to happen over there. But Sally Hawkins—she’s absolutely wonderful! I already liked her as an actress, but after this movie, I think she might just become one of my favourites. I watched the film on a dark winter night, but despite the gloomy setting, I had this constant feeling that a warm summer sun was quietly shining somewhere nearby. This is a beautiful, heartwarming, and kind film.

I’d never seen a life/work setup quite like it. Not just a factory, not just a company store, but a whole factory village, in which the flats were all biking distance to and from work and everyone knew who their neighbours were because they were all coworkers. It seems like some type of communist utopia, very foreign to me, yet I think it would be nice if our jobs provided housing that was nearby and also gave them a chance to get some physical activity on their brief commute.

Hawkins' engaging performance and a priceless turn as MP Barbara Castle by Richardson are the film's main strengths. Hoskins gives solid support as the union man who supports the strike. The route to the women's eventual victory is oversimplified by Ivory's script as the need for feel-good entertainment competes for attention with the more serious political points, which are only superficially dealt with. The 1960s vibe is created through subtle costume and production design and the obligatory use of period pop songs. Despite its cliches, there is much to enjoy thanks largely to the skill of the actors.

Great film! Excellent performances! Demonstrates the stupidity of sexism and the power of positive social change! Bob Hoskins is delightful in this film. #feminism #workersrights #equality

Reviewed 10.15.19 In 1968 a small group of disrespected female machinists at a British Ford Motor plant went on strike for equal pay. It's based on a true story you'd think we'd all know, but like the women in the movie, had been overlooked. Kudos to producer Stephen Woolley for shining a light on it. Because even now, the battle persists. Sally Hawkins stars as Rita O'Grady, a working class mother that 'has got a bigger set of balls' than the three union bosses that turn on her. That line is delivered by Bob Hoskins, loveable as Albert, her confidante that's driven by his own mother's past. Hawkins adds her own personal sort of charm to a role that could have easily slipped into an 'angry female' caricature. Rosamund Pike, a true talent awaiting her star-making role, further elevates the proceedings. The story is completely predictable, but serves as an entertaining and important chronicle. And unlike the macho male history of conflict that weighs down our annals, this true story of women and men fighting together for what's clearly right, provides a blueprint for a more just future.

Pretty good movie starring sally Hawkins.

Pretty good. A British "Norma Rae" with more winsome gals ... A time capsule - and one of my shorter Reviews! A Comment on Barney's blarney below: There's nothing Leftist about this film at all. Poland's long march to freedom from Marxist, Leninist, Stalinist, Beatty'ish Soviet oppression came through the trade union movement. Righties rarely know enough to know this.

I have sympathy for people in the working class. I have worked in that world for parts of my life. And bravo for these women who achieved their wage parity victory. However, despite competent acting, this flick is not high on entertainment value. Related to this, to a non-UK-working class person, the accents are difficult to understand. Also, a bit too much Marxist twaddle in the dialogue.

WHAT I LIKED: I'm very proud of the fact we Brits know how to make a good "Power to the People" film, and nowhere is that more evident than where 'Made in Dagenham' is concerned. Yes the way it sticks its fingers up to the establishment is done with such a British lightness of touch and a smirk at itself that you just can't help feeling empowered and downright in love with the whole experience here. Of course it's highly probable that that's just something I feel because of how awesome Sally Hawkins is, but I have confidence it's also thanks to the surprisingly funny and smart script from William Ivory, as well as basic and cheeky editing and direction behind the scenes. WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: The love may only last so long VERDICT: A very British, very charming and very amusing film that will bring us a peak at the teenage lefty hiding in us all.

So in love with Sally Hawkins!

Very British story that America now needs to see. I enjoyed it and made my girlfriend watch it

Good, but it feels like it was put together on an assembly line.

Hieno, tositapahtumiin perustuva elokuva vuodelta 1968, jolloin Fordilla työskentelvät naiset ryhtyivät lakkoon tasa-arvoisen palkkauksen vuoksi.

Entertaining film about women workers at Ford's fighting for equal pay with opposition from most sides.

Made in Dagenham does an excellent job at showing the story of how the Dagenham Ford women rose to fight for equal pay between men and women. Sally Hawkins does an excellent job as the lead. This film covers how Hawkins' character is involved so much in the movement that it takes a tole on her family life. It is nice to see this but all the while the film remains focused on the cause. It has depth and meaning. The only small issue is it builds up Hawkins character so much and accelerates her forward that it is strange to see that the ending scenes do not focus on her character but on the government officials. A great motion picture that does nearly everything right.

Must watch movie as it shows the starting of forward thinking about woman's rights. Rating - 4/5

Sally Hawkins is very impressive (as always) and makes you really care about the female workers in the Ford factory. Based on the true story, it's engaging and informative at the same time.

Sally Hawkins is great here. The cast is brilliant: Miranda Richardson, Bob Hoskins, Rosamund Pike... Also, the script makes you feel comfortable with the story about women rights. Respect.

Who would think that a movie about gender equality could be as boring and trite as this film? For me, the first sign was that it was produced by BBC Films, who also produced the dreadful "Starter for 10". While the film does a decent job in its condemnation of 60's sexism, I can't shake the feeling that the film is stuck in the past, never mind the fact that the film's overall style isn't faithful to the 60's at all, save for some of the music. Also, a lot of the focus seems to be on the women on strike, but what bothers me is that the lead character, along with much of the cast, is completely fictional. I know it's difficult to actually represent the striking women, but when you devote a supposedly historical film to a character that didn't even exist in the film's setting, that's when it becomes nonsensical. Britain is full of drama films with historical settings, and for me, there's a good chance that most of them suck. Even though there's some strong drama, and a genuine attempt to break from the familiar archetypes of the 60's, there's no escaping the fact that it just felt bland.

A lovely film that's brings that era and their story to life. Well acted and told and a little a bit inspiring.