Matewan
Seen it?1987 | 132 min | Drama, History
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Glory or The Woman King, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 12 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13: peril. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$4 million worldwide on a $4 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 115K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Sayles
- 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