Norma Rae
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Inspiring pro-union story is good watch-together fare.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Community Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Field is captivating
Report this review
What's the Story?
Based on real incidents, NORMA RAE tells the story of a union organizer (Ron Liebman in a fiery performance as Reuben) who arrives in a Southern Baptist mill town to unite the workers in one of the last industries to resist the labor movement: textile manufacturing. Conditions are deplorable: harsh rules, unsafe environment, low pay, heartless management. The film focuses on the workers' uneasy transformation as one of their own, Norma Rae, becomes their voice. Norma Rae (Sally Field in her first Oscar-winning role) is spirited, street smart, and sometimes self-destructive, especially when it comes to relationships with men. Though she's determined to try to give her two children a better life, she realizes that she faces a bleak future as do her friends, family, and co-workers. Braving what she knows may be an insurmountable task with great risk attached, Norma Rae joins forces with Reuben and works beside him to stand up for herself and her peers. When she meets, falls in love with, and marries Sonny (Beau Bridges), the personal stakes become even greater for her. Still Norma Rae knows that at the heart of the fight is nothing less than a chance for a decent life and human dignity for an entire community.
Is It Any Good?
Norma Rae was a landmark film when it was released in 1979, and it hasn't lost any of its impact. Strong performances with characters who are flawed as well as courageous makes the film feel genuine, not the story of a real life superhero, but of a woman who rose above her own limitations to help repair an unjust world. Efforts to portray the growing connection between African-American and Southern white workers make a compelling statement as well.
It's fairly recent history and hard to accept the fact that such conditions existed in the United States for so long. Though one-sided (management and ownership show no empathy for the workers), for families who hope to inspire social consciousness, it's a wonderful movie to watch along with teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the differences between movie superheroes and heroes like Norma Rae. Which is more relateable? Which is more inspiring? Which is more common in movies?
What does the movie say about the importance of education? Does their lack of good schooling make the workers more likely to be victims of an unfair system?
Can you think of a time when you stood up and fought for something you believed in even if it was scary? What are some things you value and might find yourself willing to protect? Why is it important to speak up if you see something wrong?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 2, 1979
- On DVD or streaming: April 17, 2001
- Cast: Beau Bridges, Ron Liebman, Sally Field
- Director: Martin Ritt
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Run time: 118 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: for adult language and mild violence
- Awards: Academy Award, Golden Globe
- Last updated: January 2, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Drama Movies That Tug at the Heartstrings
Biopic Movies
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate