Made in Dagenham Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman gets mad about money, makes a fuss, and then everybody gets paid the same…kinda.

🍿 Made in Dagenham: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Dagenham Factory

In 1968, the Ford auto factory in Dagenham, England, employs thousands, including 187 women machinists. These women work in poor conditions, assembling car seat upholstery. Dissatisfied with their low pay and being classified as ‘unskilled,’ they seek a better deal.

The Strike Begins

Led by shop steward Albert Passingham and worker Rita O’Grady, the women initially aim for reclassification to ‘semi-skilled,’ hoping for better wages. However, they soon realize the core issue is gender discrimination, with women paid significantly less than men for comparable work.

Escalation and Challenges

Refusing to tolerate this inequality, Rita leads a strike, demanding equal pay. This action tests the patience of everyone involved, including the union, Ford management, and even the women’s families. The strike gains momentum but faces resistance from male workers and union officials who prioritize the interests of male members.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rita O’Grady (Sally Hawkins): A reluctant leader, Rita becomes the face of the 1968 Ford Dagenham strike, fighting for equal pay for women.
• Albert Passingham (Bob Hoskins): A sympathetic union rep, Albert supports the women’s fight for equal pay and guides Rita in her leadership role.
• Barbara Castle (Miranda Richardson): As the Secretary of State for Employment, Barbara Castle becomes a key ally, pushing for equal pay legislation within the government.
• Eddie O’Grady (Daniel Mays): Rita’s husband, Eddie, struggles to adapt to the changing family dynamics as Rita becomes increasingly involved in the strike.
• Lisa Hopkins (Rosamund Pike): The educated and supportive wife of a Ford manager, Lisa secretly aids the women’s cause despite her husband’s position.
• Monty Taylor (Kenneth Cranham): The union leader Monty Taylor is initially resistant to supporting the women’s cause.
• Robert Tooley (Richard Schiff): As a Ford executive from the United States, Robert Tooley vehemently opposes the women’s demands and tries to quash the strike.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Albert Passingham: “It’s not about skills, love. It’s because you’re women.” – Albert explains to Rita that the women are being discriminated against solely because of their gender.
• Rita O’Grady: “Rights aren’t privileges. That’s why they’re called rights.” – Rita asserts her belief in equal rights during a heated argument with her husband Eddie.
• Barbara Castle: “I’m the best man in your cabinet.” – Barbara retorts to Harold Wilson’s patronizing comment.
• Rita O’Grady: “We want sex… equality!” – Rita cleverly uses the media’s attention on their banner to reveal their true demand.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7.2M
• Domestic Gross: $1.1M
• Worldwide Gross: $12.6M

💥 Made in Dagenham Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘Made in Dagenham.’ It’s a feel-good movie with a powerful message. Sally Hawkins is fantastic, and the story is both inspiring and important. I especially loved the scenes where the women stood together, supporting each other, even when things got tough. It made me feel proud and grateful for the women who fought for equal rights.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British historical dramas”
  • “Those interested in women’s rights and labor history”
  • “Viewers who enjoy feel-good, inspiring stories”
  • “Fans of Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins, and Miranda Richardson”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Depictions of sexism and discrimination”
  • “Brief suggestive scene”
  • “Reference to suicide”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “A small film about a big issue, ‘Made in Dagenham’ manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. Hawkins is superb, and the supporting cast shines. While some elements feel slightly formulaic, the film’s heart and message make it a worthwhile watch.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Director Nigel Cole balances comedy and drama effectively, telling a true story with heart and humor. While occasionally oversimplified, the film’s strong performances and important message about equal pay resonate deeply. Sally Hawkins delivers a captivating performance.
• User Review: “After a summer of endless animations and shlock-horror here – at last! – is a film with real heart. Sally Hawkins is a revelation as Rita who becomes the striking machinists’ spokeswoman; her speeches to co-workers, union chiefs, management and the press all start out tremulous and gain in confidence as she hits her stride.

Audience Reactions

Sally Hawkins’ performance is incredible, making the characters relatable and inspiring.: Viewers appreciate the film’s blend of humor and drama, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The film accurately portrays the struggles of working-class women in the 1960s, evoking strong emotions.: Many praise the film’s historical accuracy and its ability to shed light on an important chapter in women’s rights.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted and inspiring dramedy that highlights the fight for equal pay in 1960s England. A feel-good film with a powerful message and strong performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Three of the original Dagenham seamstresses invited Sally Hawkins for tea prior to filming to properly inform her about the mindset behind the strike.”
• “Filming locations included a disused Hoover Factory in Wales to represent the Ford Works – Dagenham.”
• “The filmmakers interspersed actual archival footage from the 1960s to give the film more gravitas and authenticity.”

🖥️ How to Watch Made in Dagenham?

Currently, “Made in Dagenham” is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options as availability may vary. You may also find physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) for purchase online or at retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Made in Dagenham, you might like these similar films:

• Norma Rae (1979): Both films portray a working-class woman who becomes an activist for workers’ rights in a male-dominated environment.
• Billy Elliot (2000): Explores themes of social class, personal ambition, and overcoming adversity in a working-class community in England.
• Pride (2014): Set against the backdrop of 1980s Britain, this film follows a group of LGBTQ+ activists who support striking Welsh miners, highlighting themes of solidarity and social justice.
• Calendar Girls (2003): Also directed by Nigel Cole, it shares a similar uplifting and humorous tone while telling the story of ordinary women challenging social norms.

🛒 Made in Dagenham Related Products

• Vintage 1960s Fashion Prints: Set of four vibrant, high-quality prints showcasing iconic 1960s fashion styles, bringing the era of ‘Made in Dagenham’ to your home.
• Women’s Rights: A Graphic History: A visually engaging graphic novel detailing the history of women’s rights movements, providing a deeper understanding of the struggles depicted in ‘Made in Dagenham.’
• The Equal Pay Act: A Modern Guide: An informative e-book providing a detailed analysis of the Equal Pay Act and its modern implications, helping readers understand current challenges and solutions.
• Vintage Style Ford Dagenham T-Shirt: Comfortable, high-quality T-shirt featuring a vintage Ford Dagenham logo and the slogan ‘Equal Pay Now.’ Show your support for equality with this stylish tee.

🎧 Soundtrack

Made in Dagenham features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Israelites” – performed by Desmond Dekker and The Aces
• “You Can Get It If You Really Want” – performed by Jimmy Cliff

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Composition & Framing || Cinematography Masterclass – John de Borman

Ever wonder how filmmakers use camera angles to tell a story? This masterclass with John de Borman actually uses ‘Made in Dagenham’ as an example! It’s fascinating to see how much thought goes into each shot.

✨ Rate