It's that time of year again when the curse of the Oscarbait begins. All the earnest biopics, war films, family dramas and period tales roll into town, hoping to attract the attention of the Academy. North Country appears to have it all wrapped up. It's the true story of the first ever class action sexual harassment trial, is directed by Niki Caro, acclaimed helmer of Whale Rider, and stars three Oscar winners. Can't go wrong, right?

Josey Aimes (Charlize Theron) is in need of a new start. After she leaves her abusive husband she travels to the small town where her parents live. Struggling with the low pay she receives as a hairdresser she soon finds she can make three times more in the mines. From the outset Josey finds she is anything but welcome in an environment where the men outnumber the women 30 to one, Josey finds herself the target of an endless stream of sexual harassment, from offensive comments to an escalating sense of danger. Josey eventually decides that she has to stand up for her rights.

North Country, at once seen as a serious Oscar contender, has been relegated by most critics to an almost-was. Its themes are prescient and involving but it's a little blunt and unsubtle to really strike a chord with mass audiences. The film makers pile on the pity for Josey until it's hard to see her as anything else than a character in a movie - not a real person. Thank god then, that Charlize Theron was chosen to play her.

Following up her Oscar winning work in Monster, Theron has matured into a fine actress with this equally accomplished performance. Radiating a quiet respect and a valid sense of indignity, she commands your attention and also your emotions. The film may not be a big awards winner but Theron will be a dead cert for a Best Actress nomination.

She's also ably supported by a fantastic cast. Frances McDormand is reliably good even if her character arc seems a little contrite, while Sissy Spacek is good if a little underwritten. Woody Harrelson is strong and watching him makes you wish he got more serious roles. The supporting standout is Richard Jenkins, best known as the late father in Six Feet Under, who plays Theron's father. Initially unsupportive, the moment where he finally realises what she is putting up with is one of the most powerful scenes of the year.

Although North Country may be flawed, there is still an unmistakable power to the film and it's hard not to get angry along with Theron as the odds pile up against her. The fact that Josey is a simple, dignified woman without any Erin Brockovich bravado, makes it all the more powerful.

It does however bear another of those dreaded "true story" tags which, as the ending coda tells you, renders most of the film a lie - since Josey is a fictional character. Yet, as unsubtle as it may be, thanks to Theron's incredible performance, North Country still packs a punch.

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