Excellent' true story film 'changed British law' and is on BBC tonight; An acclaimed comedy-drama film exploring the real-life story of how a law was created is on TV tonight.

Byline: By, Maria Leticia Gomes

If you're looking for a period drama to watch this weekend, a 2010 production that is based on a true story that shaped British history will be on TV tonight.

Set in 1968, the film is set from the perspective of Rita O'Grady, a sewing machinist making car seats at the Ford Dagenham plant. Rita is one of the fewer than 200 women who work in the factory, which employs 55,000 people in total.

The women, upset about being reassigned to lower-paying unskilled roles, complain to management, but the management chooses not to address their concerns.

When they hear about how their complaint was handled, the women unanimously decide to strike. What follows is a dramatisation of the real-life fight for equal pay that unfolded at the London plant, in which the women are backed by sympathetic union representative Albert.

After Ford's production is forced to halt due to a lack of car seats, the story makes national headlines, grabbing the attention of then-Labour Secretary of State Barbara Castle.

The women's fight changed laws in Britain, inspiring the Equal Pay Act of 1970 -though the women did not achieve full wage and skill grading equality until a subsequent strike in 1984.

Made in Dagenham's cast is led by Sally Hawkins in the main role, Bob Hoskins as Albert and Miranda Richardson as Barbara Castle. The ensemble cast also includes Rosamund Pike, Andrea Riseborough, Andrew Lincoln, Rupert Graves and Nicola Duffett.

80% of the film's reviews on Rotten Tomatoes are positive, almost two decades after its release.

One reviewer wrote: "Made in Dagenham does an excellent job at showing the story of how the Dagenham Ford women rose to fight for equal pay between men and women. Sally Hawkins does an excellent job as the lead. A great motion picture that does nearly everything right."

Another said they're "very proud of the fact we Brits know how to make a good 'Power to the People' film," as is evident in Made in Dagenham and "thanks to the surprisingly funny and smart script from William Ivory, as well as basic and cheeky editing and direction behind the scenes."

A third one simply wrote: "Very British story that America now needs to see."

Made in Dagenham picked up four BAFTA nominations, including Best British Film and Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Richardson.

It went on to inspire a stage musical adaptation in London, starring Gemma Arterton.

Watch Made in Dagenham on BBC1, at 11:40pm tonight.

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Credit: BBC/Paramount Pictures

The film shows a real life movement that happened in the '60s

Credit: Publicity Picture

The strike led by the Dagenham women changed real laws in the UK

Credit: Publicity Picture

The film got nominated for four BAFTAs