Harlan County USA

USA 1976, 104 minutes
Dir. Barbara Kopple
Rating: [Exempt]
Genres: Documentary / Sociology

Aroview: A vivid, enlightening documentary about a violent labour dispute on the East Kentucky coalfields, prompted by decades of poor conditions in the industry, and the decision of miners to join the national union.

Charting a backstory of gun-battles, corporate intimidation, dire living conditions and uncompensated diseases, dir. Kopple pulls no punches in sketching out what is at stake in the lives of local people. What distinguishes the film is its detailed, naturalistic footage of the strikers gradually coming to terms, over the 13 months of the strike, with their only available course of action: fight fire with fire. The role of women in the dispute is also justifiably highlighted, while traditional songs and music provide a heartfelt counterpoint to real-life events.

Winner of the 1976 Academy Award for Best Documentary.

Member Reviews

Average rating (Exceptional). Showing 1-2 of 2 member reviews.

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5 stars (Exceptional) Hot damn. A multi generational look at folk who're as articulate as they are passionate, and an ace soundtrack. You could argue that they could have talked to the mining company to be more fair-minded, but if you criticise that, you're missing the point ~Pop&Coffee
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5 stars (Exceptional) Totally unique, with unmissable extras! 70% of the coal companies were owned by big oil companies. They had many chances to express their views. A key page in the Women's Movement occurred when wives & daughters took over the barricades. ~Anon