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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… Read more
92% (26,744)
Where to watch: Buy
1987 · 2h 12m · ★ 92% (27K)
It takes more than guns to kill a man.
Director: John Sayles
Starring: Chris Cooper, James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell
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.
John Sayles
Cinecom Entertainment Group, Film Gallery, Goldcrest, Red Dog Films, Winwood Productions
Chris Cooper, James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell, Will Oldham, David Strathairn, Ken Jenkins, Kevin Tighe, Gordon Clapp, Bob Gunton, Jace Alexander, Joe Grifasi, Nancy Mette, Jo Henderson, Josh Mostel, Gary McCleery, Maggie Renzi, Tom Wright, Michael B. Preston, Thomas A. Carlin, Jenni Cline