North Country ***
Cast: Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand, Sean Bean, Woody Harrelson, Jeremy Renner, Richard Jenkins, Sissy Spacek, Thomas Curtis, Elle Peterson, Michelle Monaghan
Director: Niki Caro
Running Length: 2:10
MPAA Classification: R

Josey Aimes (Theron) returns with her two kids to her childhood home in the North Country of Minnesota, fleeing the abuse of a bad relationship. Working at a local hair salon does not give her enough money to get by, and soon her friend Glory (McDormand) persuades her to apply at the iron mine. She gets the job, but soon finds herself and the other women outnumbered 30 to 1. The men are not happy the women are there, and to say that the women are treated poorly is a great understatement. The women just accept the conditions because they need the money, but Josey is pushed too far.

When she visits with the CEO, he tells her to resign. Josey then finds a lawyer named Bill (Harrelson). Bill has an idea. He wants to pursue the first sexual harassment class action lawsuit. All they need is to get the rest of the women on their side. That is not as easy as one would think, and the fight is on.

"North Country" is an unfomfortable film to watch. No one should have to go through what these women go through. Director Niki Caro does a good job weaving the story through a series of courtroom scenes, and keeps things interesting. The cast does a good job in all their roles, although none give truly stand out performances. "North Country" is not a movie that one can "enjoy", but it is good, and is worth checking out.