The defining strength of this film is the fantastic performances by the entire cast but most notably Sally Field who completely transformed into Norma and delivered a intensely impactful performance. Rob Liebman was also perfectly cast. I could feel that the focus of the director was the story, a story that's just brilliantly built and executed. The ending was also amazing, cleverly using the song "it goes like it goes" from the beginning once again.

Really enjoyed this film. First time seeing it. Was brought to my attention from Julia Louis-Dreyfus' podcast- Wiser Than Me- when she spoke with Sally Field. Inspiring story.

Field 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.

Good story based on a real person (who wished to maintain her privacy) . Somewhat corny, but a solid story and a good reminder of how hard and dangerous the work to unionize was, even as recently as the 1970s.

Norma, a married woman working in a factory, is displeased with the unhealthy working conditions. She decides to combine other workers with Reuben, a union organizer. Will she succeed in her motives? Norma Rae is the type of movie, that is really driven by performances and if they are not great, the movie doesn't land. Luckily we have a movie with one of the best best actress winners of all time, Sally field. As someone who is a big fan of Sally Field, I have never seen either one of her best actress winning performances and I can now fully agree with everyone, that this is one of the best of all time and one that will stand the test of time for sure. Outside Sally Field her powerhouse performance, we absolutely can't forget Beau Bridges his performance and I am surprised to see, that he wasn't in the awards conversation that year as well, because he gives a very moving and powerful supporting performance and has one incredible scene. The movie has some solid camerawork, but outside of that, you don't really have to watch this movie for the technical side of things, it mostly place out in a couple of locations, which is of course not a bad thing. Yeah the movie might be a bit predictable, however that ending still got to me. Solid story, with some of the best performances I have ever seen!

It is such a great underdog/women's rights movie. It deserves to be seen.

This classic movie was really good. Sally Field, Ron Leibman, Beau Bridges, and the rest of the cast did a fantastic job in this movie. This true story about a woman who wants to start a union at the mill she works at for better working conditions and better pay was dramatic, inspirational, and amazing. It's about fighting for what's right for the people and to make things better for everyone. If you haven't seen this classic movie yet, check it out sometime. It's a must see.

A forgettable film featuring an unforgettable performance by Sally Field

Anyone who rates this less than 4 starts clearly has no understanding of the issues that the movie raises. It is an important movie, and I wish that a viewing and discussion was a required American History subject. The story has subtle arcs that many will miss. And it treats the issues honestly.

Field is fantastic and so is the story.

Sally Field is awesome there really isnt a movie like this. This movie is powerful and moving.

It comes off as propaganda at times. And some of these people and situations play as caricatures. But the issues are real and they're handled earnestly. Sally Field is really likeable, as usual.

Sally Field is one of the most beloved actresses of the 1970s due to her warm, likable persona and the strength she brings to characters despite her sweet appearance. Her talents are on full display in the heartwarming film Norma Rae which allows her to play a character who goes through an incredible transition from fallen, struggling woman to empowered union leader. I might not completely agree with the political message of the film but the film makes a good case for it's pro-union argument and successfully emotionally manipulates it's audience. Field won the Best Actress Academy Award for her performance and I have to say that I think she earned it because few actresses could have pulled off this role with so much charm and grace. This is not a must see film and it's stuffed full of clichés but for a viewer who is willing to let go of their cynicism this film will be a rewarding experience. Norma Rae Wilson, Sally Field, is a broken woman with two children who works all day at a cotton mill where she is mistreated and then has affairs with married men at night to escape her worries. Her life changes when she meets union organizer Reuben Warshowsky, Ron Leibman, who propels her to take charge of her life and fight back against her oppressive bosses in an attempt to improve conditions at the mill. She marries the understanding Sonny Webster, Beau Bridges, but their relationship suffers under the weight of her new commitments and growing attraction to Reuben. She achieves a huge victory after the workers at the mill vote to unionize but parts from Reuben as they realize they are committed to other elements of their lives too much. It is the buoyancy of the performances that lift this film which could easily feel like a television production to being a real stunner. Field is obviously the standout as she brings not only her natural charisma to the role but a steeliness that we have not seen in most of her work. When she stands up with a ‘union' poster in her hands and pushes her fellow workers to turn off their machinery we identify with her and the steadfast belief in her eyes could only come from real life experience. The supporting cast also do great work with Leibman being charming and intense as the fastidious Warshowsky while Bridges is endearing as the caring dope. Comparing Field's performance to that of Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side (2009), both play tough Southern woman making sacrifices to do what they believe is right, you realize just how good she is, we never cringe at Field even as she delivers on the nose dialogue. The part of the film that is possibly the most questionable is the odd relationship between Norma and Warshowsky. There is an obvious sexual tension between the two characters but I was not initially aware of whether it was meant to be present or not. When it is affirmed that we are meant to find their relationship strange and that people in town also suspect them of having an affair the scenes of them swimming in their underpants and talking about Dylan Thomas late at night alone together made sense. Their parting made the end of the film oddly melancholy for a film that is otherwise so straightforward in how positive it tries to make it's outcome. I could have used less scenes of the two them telling each other that they have shiny faces but if that's what I have to accept to watch a lovely little film I will gladly do it. I am glad that a film like this exists and I was presently surprised that it received a Best Picture nomination even though it feels like far too small a film to receive that much attention from the Academy. If you love Sally Field then this, Places in the Heart (1984) and Soapdish (1991) are essential films that you should absolutely see and she proves herself to be worthy of critical praise and love from audiences in this film alone, what a remarkable achievement from the woman who was once ‘The Flying Nun'.

The best inspiring movie ever made! With the best movie character ever portrayed: Sally Field as Norma Rae Webster! And the best movie song ever sung: It Goes Like It Goes!

Field 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.

The overall film kind of goes out on a whimper but there are scenes of such brilliance that it's hard to deny it's greatness. Sally Field is absolutely perfect.

An inspiring union worker movie. A good time capsule complete with Schlitz. Good song, "It goes as it goes".

Martin Ritt's docu-drama touch had worked wonders for the spy genre with his impeccable (and nihilist) Carré adaptation. In Norma Rae, his camerawork and vision gains an inspiring dimension that allowed Sally Field to deliver one of the finest performances in the history of Hollywood.

Film ini mencoba menyadarkan kepada penonton, bahwa setiap orang tetap akan mampu untuk melakukan sebuah perubahan untuk orang banyak, selama Ia mau untuk berusaha keras akan hal tersebut. ... Walaupun dirinya sadar akan keterbatasan yang dimilikinya, sosok Rae memang tidak sempurna, tetapi Ia mencoba untuk menjadi terlihat lebih sempurna.

A working class social drama that plays as an compelling advocate for industrial unionisation and features a forceful Oscar-winning performance from Sally Field as the feisty placard-holding titular union organiser.