Made in Dagenham (2010)

In spite of being an interesting story and having good cast and performances, it is not as thrilling as it could have been.

This is quite an interesting retrospective look at the efforts made by ordinary, working women to achieve equal recognition, and payment, for their skills and efforts in 1960's Britain. Set against a backdrop of economic torpor; Sally Hawkins and Geraldine James lead a workmanlike cast of British stalwarts who set about to challenge the Ford Motor Company to pay them fairly for their work. Even with a Labour (socialist) government and the formidable Barbara Castle (Miranda Richardson) as Employment & Productivity Secretary in Harold Wilson's government and initial trade union backing; this proved to be a fairly monumental effort involving hardship and strife - at work at at home - for all concerned. At time, humorous, this is a poignant insight into the battles, frequently between what one might reasonably assume to be those on the same side; and even amongst some working men who did not, themselves, believe women merited pecuniary equality. Bob Hoskins is pretty good as the mischievous shop steward who manages to encourage the women to challenge, and sustain their efforts in the face of establishment opposition with Richard Schiff also good as the US Ford manager brought in to "bust" it all... It's a bit simplistic, but certainly worth a watch.