Norma Rae (1979) Review

Title; Norma Rae
Year: 1979
Director: Martin Ritt
Country: US
Language: English

In his book Stayin Alive, History professor Jefferson Cowie writes about Norma Rae (1979) saying, "Norma Rae was thus a distinct oddity in seventies popular culture: an optimistic message about the capacity of working people and one of the very few unabashedy, pro-labor movies of the decade." 

Based on a true story, Norma Rae is about a young single mother and textile worker agrees to help unionize her mill despite the problems and dangers involved.

Norma Rae was ahead of its time with its bold pro-union message. Even in present day, the topic of Unionizing is quite controversial & isn't overtly present in Hollywood pictures. It's quite relevant, especially as, at the time of this review, Writers Guild of America are striking for better working conditions. 

Sally Field deserved her Best Actress Oscar for making her character. an average Southern woman, so endearing. She makes the subject of Unionizing quite compelling. The film does a great job at depicting racism in the workplace; how management uses race tension to keep their workers in-line. It surprised me, because this we are not often shown this side of the workplace.

It's unfortunate that Norma Rae's advertising is so off-putting. The poster evokes Sex and the City vibes and will deter most cinephiles from watching. This is a very important film however, Norma Rae should be viewed for decades to come.