Following in the foot steps of Billy Elliot and The Full Monty this is another feel good Brit flick, which is tipped to be a huge box office hit.

The film transports us back to 1968- a year of revolution, when disgruntled workers were taking to the streets in protest and women were taking control of their sexuality.

Mean while, at a Ford car plant in Dagenham- a world away from the swinging 60s- a group of female workers were kicking up a fuss about being classified as 'unskilled workers' and demanding equal pay.

Led by the tough talking and no nonsense Rita O'Grady, played by Sally Hawkins, the women decide to vacate their sewing machines and go on strike until they get what they want- much to the dismay of their US bosses.

The film by Calendar Girls director, Nigel Cole is actually based on real life events, which were instrumental in the Equal Pay Act being passed in 1970 and which helped to break down the boundaries of sexual inequality in the work place.

With its roots firmly in reality, the film sweeps us along a rocky road to justice and we feel compassion, sympathy and admiration for these feisty women who take a brave stand against their chauvinistic male counterparts.

Hawkins, who will most likely find herself on the cusp of Hollywood stardom after her leading role in this film, gives a heart warming and convincing performance as the admirable Rita.

In spite of her timid nature and fragile frame, she manages to deliver some inspiring and motivational speeches, which will bring a lump to your throat and make you want to stand up and cheer.

But her drive for equality comes with some personal and painful sacrifices, which push away those whose support she needs the most.

What ever you're gender, it would be hard not to feel sympathy for these women who are torn between fighting for what they believe in, and conforming to their role of being a subservient wife and mother in order to stop their personal lives from falling apart. This is high lighted in Rita's relationship with her husband Eddie, played by Daniel Mays, who is dotingly supportive of her plight but who still expects his shirts to be washed and dinner on the table when he comes home from work.

Hawkins plays alongside a stellar British cast, including actresses Geraldine James, Andrea Riseborough, Jamie Winstone and former Bond girl Rosamund Pike.

Bob Hoskins plays the female factory workers' union rep and Miranda Richardson is perfect in her role as Barbara Castle- the controversial and fiery Labour politician, who takes the girls under her wing and helps to make their vision a reality.

This film is sure to melt the heart of even the toughest male cynic. An inspirational story of courage, determination and female resilience- it reminds us of a time when society had a moral fibre and fighting for what you believe and standing by your principals was important.

It will leave you feeling proud to be a woman- if you are a woman. If you're a man it will serve as a reminder- that women will always get their own way in the end.