Matewan (1987)
"An American Classic. Easily one of the Best Films of the Year…" -Jeffrey Lyons, Sneak Previews/ INN
A small town in 1920's West Virginia explodes when unionist miners clash with the owners of a tyrannical coal company in this critically acclaimed film from writer/ producer John Sayles (Lone Star). Earnest labour leader Joe Kenehan (Chris Cooper, A Time To Kill) arrives in Matewan to better the lives of the men and women in this "company town" through unionization. But in his efforts to organise the workers of the Stone Mountain Coal Company, he ignites a powderkeg of racial hostility, corruption and betrayal - and touches off one of the most violent incidents in the history of the Coal Wars of 1920-21. Mary McDonnell (Independence Day), David Strathairn (The Firm), and James Earl Jones (Clear and Present Danger) also star in the film that Leonard Maltin calls "compelling and compassionate… John Sayles makes every note ring true."
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 127mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: |
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Member Reviews (6)
6 Member
Reviews
says
I give the movie 5 stars. Unfortunately this version on DVD is very poor quality - thus the 2 stars. The beautiful original cinematography by Haskell Wexler is cropped from the original 1.85:1 ratio, and the audio is pretty bad as well. Why is it that so many films released on DVD in Australia are like this - cropped to 4:3 ratio to "fill up the screen" and looking like they have been copied from an old video tape. The film itself is one of John Sayles's best.
Mim
says
Matewan is probably the best movie made on the US trade union movement and features great performances by the young Chris Cooper and David Strathairn who went on to become regulars in John Sayles's ensemble casts.
Peter H.
says
Terrific John Sayles film about a brutal confrontation in a small American town between powerful corporate interest and the early union movement.
Matt T.
says
Interesting story of early days of unionism in the USA. Some effort to flesh out smaller roles might have helped story along. Obviously a damaged print was used as the master for this as picture quality varies considerably throughout film.
Inze
says
Quite depressing to watch, however learning about the history of the difficulties facing miners in 1920's was interesting, particularly the ruthless companies that thought they could get away with anything, including murder. Powerful role by the town's lawman, standing up for the human rights of the community. James Earl Jones always has a presence in films and this was no different. Gutsy stuff.
Piya A.
says