Labour Day Movies. Yes, they do exist and they’re perfect for Labour Day. Indeed. Some of you know it as International Workers’ Day. And some might know it as May Day. But the First of May is known as Labour Day too. So, on this particular May, we found a way to celebrate this day in the only way we can. With some cool video games and even cooler movies.
However, before I go to the movie portion of this post, I believe a word or two about the day itself is in order. What’s so special about this day? And how it’s been celebrated all around the world?
Labour Day Movies: What’s Even Labour Day All About?
Well in its bare essence, it’s a day that honors and celebrates laborers and the working classes all around the world. Furthermore, The first of May is a national, public holiday in many countries across the world. But in different areas, it’s been celebrated in different ways too. Some choose to stage protests and demand better working conditions, wages and better working hours.
While in other parts of the world the first of May is being celebrated with making barbecues, parades and relaxing. How are you celebrating this day? We know that there’s a raging CIVID-19 pandemic outside, so make sure to do it responsibly. And yes, we already mentioned the devastating impact that the pandemic had on so many aspects of our daily life. You can read about it here. But if you’re interested in some pandemic-related video games. then Pandemic: Board Game should be a good pick. And yes, Plague Inc: Evolved is currently on Sale here at IndieGala. Check it out here. However, which movie picks would go well here? If by any chance you choose to stay home and watch some movies… Here’s a list of our picks to start with. We hope you’ll enjoy them.
Labour Day Movies: What’s On The List?
First of all, this is an eclectic mix of old-timers and some new more current movies. However, they’re all true to the subject and relevant for this particular day. Furthermore, they all deal with labor, unfair treatment in the workplace, different aspects of mobbing and fight for better working conditions. And of course, before I begin, I’d also love to know your favorite movies on the subject. Which movies are your favorite Labour Day Movies? Let us know in the comment section. So, without further ado… Let’s begin, shall we?
Norma Rae
Perhaps it’s the movie that made Hollywood re-consider Sally Field and put her in the category of dramatic actresses. Serious Oscar-worthy actresses. But Norma Rae is so much more than the movie that brought Sally her first Oscar. It’s also the movie that made a shift in Hollywood about the portrayal of union workers in a movie. Up until then, they were portrayed let’s just say in a not-so-positive light. But Norma Rae put an average Jane to the title. A regular woman and a mother that’s trying to provide for her family. And a woman that’s trying to survive horrible working conditions in the cotton mill. Norma Rae is a fantastic movie and deserves your attention this Labour Day. You should give it a try.
Fun fact: Norma Rae is based on Crystal Lee Sutton. And her real-life union organizing campaign at J.P. Stevens Mill in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.
Support The Girls
Support The Girls is about the struggles of the workers in the service industry. Especially in the dining establishments like Breastaurant. However, it’s Regina Hall that leads the ensemble, and she’s great in this comedy-drama. Brooklyn Decker is in the movie and so is Haley Lu Richardson. But the movie also handles serious themes as harassment with a dose of humor. Support the Girls is a good movie that even the former US president Barack Obama is a fan of. Yes, he named it as one of his favorite movies for 2018.
Fun fact: The restaurant used for the fictitious Double Whammies is across the street from a restaurant called Twin Peaks–a sports bar with scantily-dressed women, like Double Whammies itself.
9 To 5
The late ’70s and early ’80s were an era in which Hollywood took notice of the poor working conditions. Especially for women, who were joining the workforce. But Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton grace the screen of 9 To 5 and they’re great. They’re all three co-workers dealing with a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot boss. And after they have enough of his behavior they decide to take matters into their own hands. This is a fantastic movie, and if you’re a fan of it, then don’t despair. Hollywood is making a remake as we speak.
Fun fact: Gregory Peck and Charlton Heston turned down the role of Chairman of the Board Russell Tinsworthy.
The Measure Of A Man
The Measure of a Man is the only French-speaking movie on this list. But it’s one of my favorites. It’s about Thierry (Vincent London). An unemployed ex-factory worker who’s struggling to find a job. However, after he does find a new job, he’ll be coerced to spy on his co-workers. The Measure Of A Man is about the horrifying positions a lot of us are sometimes put in. The movie also deals with a lot of moral questions and it will make you think for sure. But at the same time, there’s a fantastic performance from London in the middle of it. It’s worth the watch.
Fun fact: Vincent Lindon won Best Actor at the 68th Cannes Film Festival in 2015. And a 9’36 standing ovation at Cannes that same year.
North Country
North Country not only has 3 Oscar-winning actresses in the cast. Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand and Sissy Spacek respectively. But it has a female director behind the camera too. The talented Niki Caro. And much like Norma Rae, North Country is based on real-life events. The harassment a lot of the women faced while working at the local mine. And the subsequent class-action lawsuit that followed. This is a fantastic movie about appalling work conditions, sexual harassment in the workplace and general abuse. It’s worth watching.
Fun fact (& spoiler): Sean Bean does not die in this movie.
What Are Your Favorite Labour Day Movies?
Let us know in the comment section. We’d love to know all about it. And of course, let us know how you are celebrating Labour Day today.
