Check out productions that reflect on the value of workers in the professional environment
On May 1st, ‘Labor Day’ is celebrated. A tribute to the achievements of workers throughout history, the date has become a social milestone after a wave of demonstrations in the United States. In 1886, American citizens took to the streets to claim the reduction of workload from 13 to 8 hours a day and, despite repression and violence, won the right.
Currently, the date is celebrated in countries on all continents and served as an inspiration for several award-winning films in the cinematographic universe, which encourage employees to fight for rights established by labor laws – in the case of Brazil, in particular, 13th salary, vacations, additional night shift, unemployment insurance, among others.
Below, check out 3 films that highlight fundamental labor issues. Look!
1. The Worth of a Man (2015)
Directed by Stéphane Brizé, same director of ‘Em Guerra’, the film narrates the story of Thierry (Vincent Lindon), a 51-year-old man who is unemployed. Even with several training and courses in the curriculum, the protagonist faces difficulties to get a job and support his family.
After almost 20 months of struggle and humiliating interviews, Thierry gets a job as a security guard at a supermarket. However, what seemed to be a dream turns into a nightmare. Experiencing a moral dilemma, the security guard has to choose between surviving or breaking with his ethics, as the new position requires him to play a role of domination over employees and customers. Thus, the film portrays the injustices committed in the corporate environment.
Where to watch: Prime Video.
2. American Industry (2019)
Awarded the Oscar for ‘Best Documentary’ in 2020, the production portrays the ideological clash between China and the United States and society’s notion of the value of work. After a Chinese billionaire takes advantage of an abandoned General Motors lot in Ohio to open his own company, he decides to hire more than 2,000 people to expand the business.
However, what was supposed to be a great opportunity for employees turns into a headache. After being left unemployed in a small town, reopening the company with foreign capital seems to be the solution to their problems, but the fallacy of the American economy, and dependence on resources from a Chinese corporation, makes everything more complicated. Those who used to receive US$ 29 per hour now work for just US$ 12 under the new management.
Where to watch: Netflix.
3. You Weren’t Here (2019)
Starring Kris Hitchen and Debbie Honeywood, the film follows the story of Ricky (Hitchen) and his family, who live in a precarious financial situation after a crisis. Determined to overcome the difficulties, he buys a van to work with deliveries, while his wife tries to keep her job as a caregiver. However, they realize that life as a self-employed person is not generating the expected income, and so the family starts to go to war with each other.
Where to watch: Telecine, YouTube and Google Play Filmes e TV.
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.