North Country (2005)

The first class-action lawsuit against sexual harrasment in the United States was filed by Ms. Jenson against Eveleth mines, an iron ore mining corporation in Northern Minnesota in early 1980s. The excellent movie "North Country", directed by Niki Caro ("Whale Rider"), is loosely based on this true story. Everyday, we indulge our happiness, completely oblivious to the injustices and beastly behavior present in our societies. The movie works hard to shake this illusion and bring forth the stark contrast between utopia and the real-world. This opinion is strengthened, especially if you consider the fact that the suit was only filed in the last 25 years and set a precedent for more such cases in the United states (and around the world). But the message of the movie becomes a no surprise if you put it in perspective alongside the genocides in Africa and the active policy of natives-extermination in Australia until 40 years ago (see the movie "Rabbit-proof fence")!

The movie was well directed with a coherent screenplay, ample attention to detail and authenticity. Critiques that claim the movie was excessively melodramatic can be brushed aside the moment we put ourselves in the shoes of the women who had to endure the harrasment, and the men who had to watch the humiliation without having the guts to oppose. If the movie is wrenching for the couple of hours to merely watch, I can't imagine how it would feel to be groped and snickered on every single day of work.

Overall, it is well done -- a movie that you and I should watch just to understand what goes on around us, to dwell upon the psyche of maniacs, to double-check our own beliefs and to filter out the remaining ounces of doubt. The movie may not induce streams of tears down your pretty eyes, but it will sure make your heart bleed. And that, according to me, is the mark of a good movie.