3299. Working Girl (1988)

Starring: Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver

Director: Mike Nichols

Running Time: 113 mins

Working Girl is an American film about a smart and driven woman stuck in a secretarial position who finds an opportunity to work in the upper ranks of her company, although things become complicated when she meets the man she’ll be working with.

Full of charisma from its leads and a distinctively ’80s style, Working Girl is very much a product of its era, but it still holds up thanks to a heartfelt and genuine story about a hard-working woman pushing to fulfil her potential against all the odds.

As a movie about breaking the glass ceiling, Working Girl is really great, and Melanie Griffith’s driven performance stands out brilliantly alongside established stars like Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver. In fact, while she may not be playing the world’s most likable personality, Griffith brings real heart to her performance here, and that in turn makes you really fall in love with her character.

With uplifting and passionate moments that touch on the role of women in business, Working Girl manages to deliver an inspiring tale with a blend of intimate emotion and even some good humour to lighten the mood at times.

That’s where the film really works to its strengths, but there’s a part of me that feels its romantic tendencies almost undermine the brilliance of its main plot. That’s not to say romance can’t go with the story of a woman climbing up the corporate ranks, but it does feel a little as if the romance takes centre stage a little too much.

Perhaps it’s just me, but I really enjoyed Griffith’s story, rather than her on screen relationship with Harrison Ford. Ford is great through the movie, and his charisma makes him a likable romantic interest, although his role in Griffith’s character arc does seem to undermine the role of her determination and drive to succeed.

It’s a little bit of a shame how the film shifts from solid drama to a slightly sappier Hollywood affair in its latter stages, but it still proves a likable and above all heartfelt watch. So, that’s why I’m giving Working Girl a 7.4 overall.