Best Films Celebrating The Victory of Union

Often mentioned in films, read in history books and seen in novels, is the popular quote, ‘Unity is Strength’, which still holds relevance in a modern individualist society. Inspiring art, music, and films, we are reminded of it as we celebrate ‘union’ as our theme for October. As colder winter nights approach, there is not much that feels better than a cosy blanket and watching a film with loved ones. On the same sofa in the same room together with different options means its a safe and cosy option. So here we look at the films celebrating togetherness, whether this be portraying the courage, strength, and resilience of groups like labour unions or family unions. Their struggles and triumphs have inspired filmmakers for decades. Via the filmmaker’s lens, we get to look back at some of the best films celebrating the victories of the union of man. Read more about Best Films Celebrating The Victory of Union. Here

STRIKE, 1925

Directed by Sergei Eisenstein, Strike depicts the narrative of a group of factory workers in pre-revolutionary Russia who go on strike in 1903 and are brutally put down. This film marks Eisenstein’s transition from theatre to cinema.

The film stars Grigoriy Aleksandrov, Maksim Shtraukh, and Mikhail Gomorov. The six-part movie is renowned for its use of symbolism, especially in a climax scene that shows images of livestock being killed next to the workers’ brutal repression. Throughout, animal analogies are used to symbolise various personalities. Although Strike received positive reviews from reviewers when it first came out, several viewers were perplexed by its unusual aesthetic.

SALT OF THE EARTH, 1954

Directed by Herbert J. Biberman and featuring performances by Juan Chacón, Rosaura Revueltas, and Will Geer, the film powerfully illustrates the miners’ triumph through their unwavering solidarity and the fierce determination of their wives.

Set in Zinc Town, New Mexico, it follows pregnant miner’s wife Esperanza Quintero as she supports her husband Ramón and their fellow miners in their fight for equal working conditions.

When the company refuses to negotiate and imposes a legal injunction to prevent the miners from picketing, the women, led by Esperanza, take charge of the protest. Despite Ramón’s initial objections, Esperanza courageously joins the picket line and is arrested. Upon her release, the community rallies together to thwart the family’s eviction, ultimately compelling the company to agree to negotiations. This pivotal moment marks a significant victory not just for the miners, but for the future of their children.

THE PAJAMA GAME, 1957

The Pajama Game, directed by George Abbott and Stanley Donen, stars Doris Day as Babe Williams, a worker at an Iowa pajama factory who falls in love with Sid Sorokin, the new superintendent hired to oppose the workers’ demand for a pay raise.

Despite their romance, they clash over the labour dispute, especially when Babe sabotages the factory’s machinery, leading Sid to fire her.

I’M ALL RIGHT JACK, 1959

Directed by John and Roy Boulting in 1959, In “I’m All Right Jack,” A naive aristocrat, seeking a profession, finds himself engaged in a conflict between his profit-driven uncle and an ambitious labour union, in this classic English farce.

Stanley Windrush looks for work but fails many interviews. Encouraged by his uncle and an army colleague, he accepts a blue-collar job at a missile plant, where he meets union steward Fred Kite. After Stanley’s competence was tested, Fred takes Stanley on board, as he goes on strike to protect wages, which are exploited by his uncle and old army colleague profit. Windrush exposes corruption at a broadcast discussion, refuses a bribe, and causes havoc. The film offers a satirical look at 1950s British industrial life. The title is a well-known English term that denotes smug and complacent selfishness.

THE ORGANISER, 1963

Set in late 19th-century Turin, the film follows young Omero and his fellow workers enduring gruelling 14-hour shifts at a textile factory under inhumane conditions. After a worker is injured, they form a committee to demand shorter hours, but their pleas are ignored. Enter Professor Sinigaglia, a former high school teacher turned unionist, who inspires the workers to strike for better conditions.

Despite initial setbacks and tragic confrontations, he encourages them to escalate their efforts by occupying the factory. As the strike intensifies, violence erupts when soldiers are called in, underscoring the relentless cycle of labour struggles faced by the workers.

NORMA RAE, 1979

Directed by Martin Ritt and starring Sally Field as Norma Rae Wilson, a young single mother and textile worker, the film depicts her struggle against poor working conditions in a cotton mill that impact her family’s health. Despite the problems and dangers involved, Norma becomes inspired by union organizer Reuben Warshowsky to fight for workers’ rights. Initially, she rejects a promotion intended to silence her protests and faces isolation from her coworkers.

After her father’s death at the mill, she stages a powerful protest, rallying her coworkers around a sign that reads “UNION.” Her efforts lead to a successful union election, and although she amicably parts ways with Reuben, she prioritises her family and marriage above all else.

NINE TO FIVE, 1980

Another film another comedy, 9 to 5 directed by Colin Higgins and stars Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda. It follows three female employees, Judy Bernly, Violet Newstead, and Doralee Rhodes, who confront their boss, Franklin Hart, for his sexist and egotistical behaviour.

Inspired by real-life frustrations of working women in the 1970s and early 80s, the film addresses issues of gender inequality, workplace harassment, and unequal treatment. The women bond and fantasise about getting revenge on their oppressive boss. The film highlights the struggles faced by women in this time.

MATEYAN, 1987

Matewan, directed by John Sayles, tells the story of a labour union organiser who travels to a mining town that is in turmoil and is subjected to the brutal tactics of the mining business. Chris Cooper makes his screen debut in John Sayles’ drama, which is based on the actual Battle of Matewan, as union organiser Joe Kenehan, who supports striking miners.

The film, co-stars Mary McDonnell, David Strathairn, and James Earl Jones, delves into the bitter struggle that exists between the workers and the Stone Mountain Coal Company. As local miners are unwilling to join forces with Black and Italian workers, and business spies instigate violence, thus Kenehan, despite Kenehan’s efforts to keep calm, tensions burst into a deadly gunfight. With the bloodshed comes the bigger “Great Coalfield War.”

BREADS AND ROSES, 2000

Bread and Roses (2000), directed by Ken Loach, follows two Latina sisters who work as cleaners in a Los Angeles office building and fight for the right to unionize. Starring Pilar Padilla, Adrien Brody, and Elpidia Carrillo, the film highlights the struggles of underpaid janitorial workers and is based on the real-life “Justice for Janitors” campaign of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The story critiques social inequalities, focusing on declining wages and lack of health insurance. The title references the 1912 Lawrence, Massachusetts textile strike, symbolizing the fight for both economic and social justice.

PRIDE, 2014

Based on true inspirational story, U.K. gay activists work to help miners during their lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984. Both funny and poignant the gay activists, led by Mark Ashton, formed “Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners” (LGSM) to support miners during their strike.

Despite facing resistance from both mining and gay communities, LGSM decides to visit the mining village of Onllwyn to deliver donations. LGSM successfully held a fundraising concert and led a solidarity show at the 1985 Gay Pride Parade. The story highlights societal changes, including the Labour Party’s acceptance of LGBT rights and Mark Ashton’s tragic death from AIDS at age 26, reflecting the intertwined struggles of the LGBTQ+ and mining communities.

As we look back on these cinematography masterpieces, we acknowledge the indomitable spirit of the idea of union; whether they be a group or just a family. The relentless determination against the odds, these films represent milestones of resilience, triumph, and solidarity in the face of adversity.

The concept of union brings with it joy, laughter, relieves pain and initiates conversations, from politics, to people.

If you enjoyed reading Best Films Celebrating The Victory of Union, why not read Dreams Become Reality As Frieze Seoul Merges Art and Technology.

.Cent Magazine, London, Be Inspired; Get Involved.  

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