If there are any lingering doubts that sexual harassment still exists in the workplace, this film would immediately dispel them. Based on a class action lawsuit settled eight years ago, “North Country” comments on an extremely relevant social situation.

The movie takes a hard look at the jarring landscape of gender inequality in the 1980s labor force, centralizing its gaze on the blatant sexual harassment occurring in Minnesota iron mines. Inspired by the 14-year case of Lois Jensen against Eveleth Mines, protagonist Josey Aimes (Charlize Theron) represents the first woman in history to file a major sexual harassment lawsuit.

In the Minnesota town where the story takes place, the few women who worked in the mine (the community’s major source of employment) were looked at by the miners and community as encroaching on men’s territory. The jobs they took also paid much more than any other positions most could attain in the area, and thus the positions were very desirable. As a result, many of the male mine workers retaliated against these women by taunting, slandering and assaulting them. As part of a female minority, to speak out against such violence would mean inviting more trouble.

The fictional character Aimes could have been any of these women. As a single mother raising two kids, she takes a job working in the mine although her father (also a mine worker) is against it, even as her working conditions worsen by the day. Facing social disgrace, personal humiliation and physical threats, Aimes braves her co-workers alone. When she takes a stand against the violence she encounters, she endangers herself, and the security of her employment.

Although we already know how the historical case on which the story is based turns out, Aimes’ personal dramas offer a clever subplot. We see her emotional battles with ghosts from her past, anguish over her deteriorating family relationships and the emotional muscle she uses to pull through her scandal with dignity. Through the suspense of the trial, and subtle weaving of scenes from her past, Aimes’ character becomes strongly fleshed out and very human. The intimate view we are given of her makes the vengeful vibe of the film all the more moving and just. The performances of Frances McDormand (Glory) and Woody Harrelson (Bill White) are well cast and executed appropriately.

Although “North Country” strays pretty far from the story it depicts, it does manage to deliver the emotional drama this theme requires. Considering the actual case was finally settled eight years ago, this moving tribute is a welcome societal feat.