... the German distribution title of this film is "We want Sex", which runs counter to everything it stands for. You expect a mildly racy working class comedy, whereas 'Made in Dagenham' is a mostly serious account of an important historical breakthrough in gender equality. I would have liked to write a scornful letter to German distributor Tobis, but quite a few people have already done so, garnering the surprising answer that 'We want Sex' is the international distribution title at the request of director Nigel Cole - apparently it was his working title. If that wasn't the case, I'd give it an 8, for 'Made in Dagenham' is a lot better than the silly title led me to assume.
If it's not perfect, then mostly because Sally Hawkins, while delivering a solid portrayal of modest worker-turned-strike leader Kathy O'Grady, cannot quite compete with the thoroughly brilliant support cast, which gives the film a forced feel sometimes. If you consider the verve of Miranda Richardson's portrayal of Barbara Castle and Bob Hoskins' perfect-to-a-tee rendition of supportive unionist Albert, Hawkins' character appears a bit flat at times, especially towards the end.
The historical approach is very accurately done, but being from Eastern Europe I couldn't help but take the story with a grain of salt. Its message is rooted in a very specific past, and as such I would daresay that it isn't so easy for women from other parts of the world today to relate, where the working conditions are still extremely unfair. I've watched it with a friend from my home country (Romania), who said that she liked it a lot, but felt that it had little to do with her own situation. Still, it made ME think, so I guess the film works just fine, it's just a shame that there's no such thing in Romanian or Eastern European cinema, in spite of its festival hipness. Well, maybe it serves as an inspiration.
If it's not perfect, then mostly because Sally Hawkins, while delivering a solid portrayal of modest worker-turned-strike leader Kathy O'Grady, cannot quite compete with the thoroughly brilliant support cast, which gives the film a forced feel sometimes. If you consider the verve of Miranda Richardson's portrayal of Barbara Castle and Bob Hoskins' perfect-to-a-tee rendition of supportive unionist Albert, Hawkins' character appears a bit flat at times, especially towards the end.
The historical approach is very accurately done, but being from Eastern Europe I couldn't help but take the story with a grain of salt. Its message is rooted in a very specific past, and as such I would daresay that it isn't so easy for women from other parts of the world today to relate, where the working conditions are still extremely unfair. I've watched it with a friend from my home country (Romania), who said that she liked it a lot, but felt that it had little to do with her own situation. Still, it made ME think, so I guess the film works just fine, it's just a shame that there's no such thing in Romanian or Eastern European cinema, in spite of its festival hipness. Well, maybe it serves as an inspiration.