North Country: Grade B

B

North Country

Charlize Theron, Francis McDormand, Sissy Spacek, Woody Harrelson

Based on the true story of the first class-action sexual harassment lawsuit filed by women working in a Minnesota mine in the 1970’s. Charlize, beautiful as ever, is the one person who finally won’t take it any more and turns to the law to seek self-respect at work. But out of fear for their jobs the other women won’t join her and continue to endure degrading insults and violence. The first hour is slow, repeatedly demonstrating how nasty the men are, the vulnerability of the women, and the indifference of the management. I got the idea after ten minutes, but it just went on and on. Maybe that is necessary to make the point, but I would think people today are at least somewhat aware of the issue. The last 45 minutes are an artful blend of courtroom drama and flashbacks. Some good photography, convincing sets and scenery, and it was nice to hear Dylan’s “Lady Day” from Nashville Skyline, even if its being there was a nonsequitur. Young women today may not realize how rough things were only a generation ago, so the movie serves as a history lesson, and taking on the project increases my admiration for Theron. Reviewed 2/26/06.