Stand!

A beautiful film that shows how racism, discrimination and exploitation have unfortunatelly been a part of society for the longest of times and that we should all choose to STAND! up against them.

I am massively drawn to songs which tell a story and this musical film does not disappoint. Putting Mike Sokolowski's (American actor Gregg Henry) letter dictation into song was genius. There is so much content put into that song that explains so much about Mike and his son Stefan's background - setting up their goals and motivation. That motivation gets referred to multiple times throughout the film: family. This comes to a gut-wrenching conclusion, which crashes Mike's world, leaving him with no option. I couldn't help but feel compassion for the WW1 veterans, Davey and Gabriel (Ryan Ash & Gabriel Daniels) and what they faced upon their return. Although they deal with it badly, they faced a situation which the government failed to foresee, or even care about resolving. A.J. Andrews (Paul Essiembre) displays views which sadly resonate today - the views of people who demonstrate no empathy to others. My family literally applauded when Susan, A.J.'s wife (Robin Ruel), stands up to A.J. in silent protest. The incorporation of the gender pay gap and working conditions in the song "Fifty Dollars" was incredibly clever - and sets up the obvious reason for the strike. I cannot believe that the gender pay gap is still an issue today. It explains the point Emma makes in the strike committee meeting: "The more we do nothing, the more nothing changes". Speaking of the strike committee meeting - Mike being humiliated by being forced to sing "God Save the King" - a massive part of me was willing the room to join him in solidarity, as a mark of defiance against Davey and the soldiers. The very fact that that didn't happen shows what divisive struggles communities were facing. Emma Jones (Lisa Bell): what a voice! Seven years is far too long for anyone to go without a raise. In a powerful and pivotal moment in the film, Emma gathers her belongings into a suitcase and walks out, followed by her colleagues; she has decided enough is enough, showing her child that mummy is standing up and being counted. This moment I envisage fists pumping in the cinema. I feel sorry for Senator Gideon Robertson (Blake Taylor). He really does not want to carry out A.J.'s demands but is forced to because the Prime Minister orders him to. A.J. is power mad and abuses his power, including publishing fake news - again, all of which we still see today on a much larger scale. The chemistry between Stefan (Marshall Williams) and Rebecca (Laura Slade Wiggins) works incredibly well. I love "Love in a Place Like This", especially Rebecca's facial expressions. And Helen Armstrong (Haley Sales) in Ultimatum - it said to me that she was truly standing up for her beliefs, prepared to stand up to anyone who gets in her way. Honestly, well worth the wait.

Great movie! A different perspective on an important historical event.

This movie makes you laugh, it makes you angry, you will cry, you will cheer on the little folks and you will sing along. The movie is based on a true story of an event that shaped labour in Manitoba and was felt around the world. The story of the downtrodden workers who come together to make a better world, a story that plays out everyday in real time today. First released along side celebrations of the 100 anniversary of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike. A compelling tale that teaches a lesson about solidarity and not giving up. The songs are uplifting and inspiring. The title track is my new go to song for inspiration and energy in the on going battle for workers rights and dignity. A must see for history buffs, labour and community activists and anyone who wants to see people working together for the greater good.