Norma Rae
An Alabama textile worker risks her family ties and job to turn a union campaign into a personal declaration of dignity.
Overview
A single mother fights for her rights and those of her fellow workers in a harsh environment.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- sincere
- heartening
- politically engaged
- social justice viewing
- labor history discussion
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a heartening and politically powerful labor drama elevated by Sally Field's galvanizing performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Norma Rae recruits textile-mill employees to support Reuben's campaign for union recognition despite employer hostility.
Norma's experience as a mill worker and single mother develops into determined leadership within the labor struggle.
The Alabama textile mill, family ties, and employer intimidation shape Norma's response to unionization.
The textile factory's long hours, poor conditions, and bleak environment provide the film's central physical texture.
Films like Norma Rae, and why
Silkwood
politically engaged working-class drama centered on collective action and institutional injustice
The Insider
heartening historical drama about an ordinary worker confronting entrenched corporate power
Erin Brockovich
socially conscious drama combining personal conviction, community pressure, and an empowering stand
Movie Details
- Director
- Martin Ritt
- Release Date
- 1979-03-02
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (213)
Cast
- Sally Field
- Ron Leibman
- Beau Bridges
- Pat Hingle
- Barbara Baxley
- Gail Strickland
- Morgan Paull
- Robert Broyles
- John Calvin
- Booth Colman
Common questions
- What is Norma Rae about?
- An Alabama textile worker risks her family ties and job to turn a union campaign into a personal declaration of dignity.
- What is Norma Rae like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Norma Rae as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Norma Rae violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Norma Rae.
- What did critics think of Norma Rae?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a heartening and politically powerful labor drama elevated by Sally Field's galvanizing performance.
- Which films are like Norma Rae?
- Films with a similar feel include Silkwood, The Insider, and Erin Brockovich.
- How long is Norma Rae?
- Norma Rae runs 110 minutes.
