The read
A Balasaur Score of 80 out of 100, drawn from IMDb 7.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, Metacritic 73/100. Scores higher than 92% of the 1,345 1980s drama movies in this catalog.
Synopsis
Filmed in the coal country of West Virginia, "Matewan" celebrates labor organizing in the context of a 1920s work stoppage. Union organizer, Joe Kenehan, a scab named "Few Clothes" Johnson and a sympathetic mayor and police chief heroically fight the power represented by a coal company and Matewan's vested interests so that justice and workers' rights need not take a back seat to squalid working conditions, exploitation and the bottom line.
Ratings
IMDb7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic73/100
143 audience votes
Key crew
- John SaylesDirector
- John SaylesWriter
- Mason DaringOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Chris CooperJoe Kenehan
- James Earl Jones'Few Clothes' Johnson
- Mary McDonnellElma Radnor
- Will OldhamDanny Radnor
- David StrathairnPolice Chief Sid Hatfield
- Ken JenkinsSephus Purcell
- Kevin TigheBill Hickey
- Gordon ClappTom Griggs
- Bob GuntonC.E. Lively
- Jace AlexanderHilllard Elkins
- Joe GrifasiFausto
- Nancy MetteBridey Mae Tolliver
Stills
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Shows like Matewan
Themes
traitorbased on true storywest virginiagun battleracismpreacherdouble crosslabor organizerlabor unioncoal miningworkers union1920s
The Best Movies of 1987
Matewan is #10 of 60
