DVD | North Country

Rating: R13 - Contains Violence and Offensive Language and sexual references.
Duration: 127 mins
Genre : Drama, Biography
Actors: Charlize Theron, Frances McDoemand, Sissy Spacek, Woody Harrelson, Sean Bean.
Release Date: Available now.

North Country is based on actual events that took place in the Minnesota Iron Mines in the 70’s. Charlize Theron plays the central character, Josey Aimes who takes a job at the mine after leaving an abusive relationship.

What she didn’t anticipate was the abuse she, and other women at the mine would have to endure every working hour. This is a gritty, deeply disturbing story of sexual harassment gone unchecked, and gone too far. It’s another hard-hitting role for Charlize, and once again she nails it.

But it is of course more than just sexism at work, Josey decides to take a stand against the abuse and closed door policies of the Mining company, and in the process alienates herself from the entire community.

The story is told through flashbacks based around a courtroom drama – the courtroom takes a distance second place but plays a pivotal role in the story telling.

To call this movie great entertainment would be to lie – it is in places extremely difficult to watch – it’s an emotional roller coaster that will have you fuming. But if it doesn’t entertain you, it does make you think. Like a sledgehammer to the head, this is a story that you won’t forget.

Filmed in a bleak winter setting, around a dirty (in many ways) mining operation, the visual impact of the movie suits the male dominated, dark storyline, and sets the scene for an emotional journey.

Food for thought
North Country looks at justice, but it also looks at friendship. It forces the viewer to think about how far you would go to stand up for a friend.

How far would you go to stand up for what you believe in?