Matewan (1987) Review in 2025
Matewan is a 1987 historical drama film set in the 1920s, based on the true story of the Battle of Matewan, a labor dispute between coal miners and the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and violence.
CineReview Recommendation
Matewan is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and social justice, but it may not be suitable for everyone due to mature themes and violence.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film tells the story of a group of coal miners who form a union to fight against the exploitation of the coal industry by the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency, leading to a violent confrontation at the Matewan mine.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-researched, but it can be a bit slow-paced at times.
acting8.00/10
The acting is excellent, with strong performances from the entire cast.
characters7.50/10
The characters are well-developed, but some of them feel a bit one-dimensional.
direction8.50/10
The direction is excellent, with a clear vision and a strong sense of pacing.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is good, but it could have been better with more attention to detail.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film has a strong sense of social justice, excellent direction, and strong performances from the cast.
Cons
The story can be a bit slow-paced at times, and some of the characters feel a bit one-dimensional.
Notable Quotes
"The union is not just about the miners, it's about the people."
"We're not just fighting for our rights, we're fighting for our lives."
