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Editorial Reviews
Rare Widescreen Version
A little-known chapter of American labor history is brought vividly to life in this period drama from writer-director John Sayles. It's a fictional story about labor wars among West Virginia coal miners during the 1920's, but every detail is so right that the film has the unmistakable ring of truth. The tension begins when the Stone Mountain Coal Company of Matewan, West Virginia, announces a lower pay rate for miners, who respond by calling a strike under the leadership of a United Mine Workers representative (Chris Cooper). Proving strength in numbers, the miners are joined by black and Italian miners who initially resist the strike, and a fateful battle ensues when detectives hired by the coal company attempt to evict miners from company housing. Violence erupts in a sequence of astonishing, cathartic intensity, and Matewan achieves a rare degree of moral complexity combined with gut-wrenching tragedy. The film salutes a pacifist ideal while recognizing that personal and political convictions often must be defended with violence. To illustrate this point, Sayles enlisted master cinematographer Haskell Wexler, who creates the film's authentic visual texture--a triumph of artistry over limited resources. The result is a milestone of independent filmmaking, and Matewan remains one of Sayles's finest achievements. --Jeff Shannon
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not the item advertised,
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: MATEWAN ~ John Sayles ~ Widescreen Version 1.85:1 (DVD)
OK, this is listed as the Widescreen version 1.85:1. Immediately after beginning to watch the movie, it was apparent that this is a bad transfer of the widescreen tape version with the sides cut off. I ordered it for the very reason that it specifically set itself apart from the the version that others were complaining about. Well, I am keeping it because it is a great movie and I doubt I am going to do any better anywhere else, but don't advertise it as widescreen when it IS NOT!!!!!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Godfather of Independent Film,
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: MATEWAN ~ John Sayles ~ Widescreen Version 1.85:1 (DVD)
John Sayles got brilliant performances and brilliant production values with next to no money in the days when no one thought this could be done. The movie is a master class in Independent Filmmaking. As ScriptDoctor and a producer at CoyoteMoon Films, I appreciate his devotion to the script, the story.
7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Matewan,
By
This review is from: MATEWAN ~ John Sayles ~ Widescreen Version 1.85:1 (DVD)
None better for the very tough days of organizing coal miners into unions in West Virginia in the early part of the 20th century. Also outstanding for teaching classes-- at any level, high school or college.
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