Set in a small Southern paper-mill town, this film is an
enlightening, perceptive look into working-class life and unionization as well
as the trials of being a female leader.
The odds couldn’t be stacked higher against anyone (and this is based on
a true story!), as Norma Rae, a mill-worker struggling to support her children
as a single mother, commits herself to improving factory conditions and
rallying her town behind the daring idea of a union. Norma Rae is a great character who goes
through life’s common hurdles of bad boyfriends, affairs, abusive
relationships, balancing her family and work life, an over-protective father,
and finding her inner ambition to realize her dreams for fair and safe work
conditions. Sally Field makes her
character Norma Rae an incredibly un-annoying focus that reminds one of a
friend rather than a distant hero. She is especially moving as a mother with an
impeccably executed mix of sternness, honesty, and love to her children. This
is an excellent choice for non-fiction lovers because of its documentary-like
flow and film-style. The pace of the
movie develops into a suspenseful, thrilling story as the film follows the
development of establishing the union at her mill. It’s enrapturing from start to finish as you
root for the union’s success and Norma Rae’s happiness.