
Norma Rae
1979, Drama, 1h 53m
30 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Spearheaded by a galvanizing Sally Field, Norma Rae is a heartening and politically powerful drama about an ordinary woman taking an extraordinary stand. Read critic reviews
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Norma Rae Photos
Movie Info
Like a lot of her family before her, Norma Rae (Sally Field) works at the local textile mill, where the pay is hardly commensurate with the long hours and lousy working conditions. But after hearing a rousing speech by labor activist Reuben (Ron Leibman), Norma is inspired to rally her fellow workers behind the cause of unionism. Her decision rankles her family, especially her fiancé, Sonny (Beau Bridges), and provokes no shortage of contempt from her employers.
Cast & Crew
Sally Field
Norma Rae
Norma Rae
Ron Leibman
Reuben
Reuben
Beau Bridges
Sonny
Sonny
Pat Hingle
Vernon
Vernon
Barbara Baxley
Leona
Leona
Gail Strickland
Bonnie Mae
Bonnie Mae
Critic Reviews for Norma Rae
Audience Reviews for Norma Rae
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Jan 05, 2019Field and Leibman are very good here but the movie spends too much time on soap opera-esque character dynamics. If there were more scenes like the iconic one of Field holding up the "union" sign or the workers recounting their difficulties then this might have been a more effective drama.Alec B Super Reviewer
-
Jan 23, 2014Kind of a relic from a bygone era, Norma Rae is a female unionist who goes through much of the trials and tribulations that one goes through in organizing a union in a hostile environment. Sally Field was nonetheless aptly rewarded for giving it her all.John B Super Reviewer
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Sep 06, 2010A fantastic social drama, and still relevant today too! Field is perfect, and she even won an award for this performance, so if you're a fan don't miss this one. It's a really good movie.Aj V Super Reviewer
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Jul 26, 2009Entertaing and original drama about the development of a Union in a Alabama textile factory. What makes this film great is the relationship between Sally Field and Ron Leibman.Everyone in the film is good,but these two make the film.He is a New York Union organizer and she is a worker in the factory and the both establish a bond right away.They become very close and have a almost romantic relationship without any romantic liaisons,which was very original. The Union story is also very interesting and the film takes its time to develop characters and story.Great direction by Martin Ritt and beautifully photographed by John Alonzo.cody f Super Reviewer
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