The year is 1920, the setting Matewan, West Virginia, where the town's coal miners labor under miserable, unhealthy conditions. Enter Joe Kenehan (Chris Cooper), a rebellious union leader who wants to organize the West Virginian miners, as well as the Italians and blacks brought in as workers. Based on a real massacre in .. Read more
| Starring | Chris Cooper, James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell, Ken Jenkins |
|---|---|
| Director | John Sayles |
| Genres | Drama |
loading...
"...MATEWAN is a heartfelt, straight-ahead tale of labor organizing in the coal mines of West Virginia in 1920....MATEWAN is certainly Sayles' best-looking, most professional film to date with period-perfect production design..."
- 12
- 0
A great American movie
'Matewan' is a great example of how film can engage with social issues, politics and history, without becoming dry or polemic.
Like Sayles&#... read more »
[Highly rated reviewer]
- 0
- 0
Bleak mood sets the tone of this coal mine strike story
This 1987 film, written and directed by John Sayles, is based on a real incident from the 1920, when workers from a West Virginia coal mine went on strike. ... read more »
- 0
- 0
Matewan a must see
Great film which in todays globalised world is as relevant as ever. The scene where the union organiser explains what a union should be is a lesson for any ... read more »
- 0
- 0
A slice of union history
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS | Show review anywayHide
- 0
- 0
If John Sayles is involved, you can expect a quality movie
I've always been a fan of John Sayles films since I saw Lianna and The Return of the Secaucus Seven years ago. This is one of his films that it's taken... read more »
- 1
- 0
Sub Zola
'Matewan' is enjoyable because the story of the Workers oppressed by the Bosses is always a good one. But, quite early on, I found myself thinking, '... read more »
[Highly rated reviewer]
- 0
- 0
A REAL American movie?
Great story, good acting and perfect music - what more does a film fan want?
- 0
- 0
A gripping history lesson
It is a rarity these days to see a film that has a social conscience, what with Hollywood more preoccupied with more action and better special effects, so ... read more »
- 0
- 0
Gripping
Knowing this was a John Sayles film, we knew we were in for a good one. Especially as Chris Cooper and James Earl Jones were in the cast. We were not ... read more »
- 0
- 0
A little gem
Came to this only knowing it was a John Sayles film and came away thinking this was his best yet. Chris Cooper is excellent in the lead role. Coming from a ... read more »
- 1
- 1
Divide and Rule
A story of the early--and non-mafia controlled-- union IWW in America. Cooper gives a very convincing and sympathetic portrayal of union organiser Joe Kenehan.<... read more »
Want to watch something right now?
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | EULA | Affiliates | Jobs | Inside LOVEFiLM Blog | About Us | Contact Us
International sites UK DK DE SE NO
LOVEFiLM, the LOVEFiLM logo and all other LOVEFiLM product or service names are trade marks of LOVEFiLM International Ltd. or its affiliates.
© 2012 LOVEFiLM UK Ltd. or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
100% from 3 members
72.4% from 12 members
