Harlan County War (2000)

Academy Award-winning actress Holly Hunter stars as Ruby, the wife of a coal miner in Harlan County, Kentucky. After two senseless deaths, the union calls a strike against the mining company. What follows is one of the most violent, bitter and notorious union battles in history. With no end to the violence in sight, Ruby decides to fight the company her own way.

I Love This Little Chick

Well-acted. Great accents. A bit of a history wrapped up in 104 minutes. Thoroughly enjoyed watching Holly do her thing in Harlan County, Kentucky. August 29, 2008

Best :Labor Documentary with Moving Plot: Fine Acting

I have seen countless movies that are either total documentary or based on facts of true events. Certainly Brando's "On the Waterfront" had as much impact on society and labor-management relations as any single film made. "Victory at Sea" and Ken Burns latest series "The War" are also superb presentations but factual. "Shoah" is best series on the Holocaust.

Harlan County War shows a battle that was bitterly fought and finally resolved. The union gave it but its tactics forced concessions from Duke
Power Co. and other firms. There is a movie about Hormel strike in MN involving Spam. Tactics used there were timid and there was no tie-in
plot. "Norma Rae" a great film comes close yet her 'solo' effort with the union organizer loses a bit of the big picture.

Holly Hunter can't be held down once she sees her father die from black lung disease and her husband laid off, along with scores of others. The
company's spy and goon tactics were revealing and true. "Hoffa" shows some of these. Harlan County War involves a whole community, united in
a solo cause. When only three men can picket the mine entrance, women and their children lie on the roads. When some miners' homes are bulldozed and others vandalized, all stick together. Community cohesiveness is
outstanding. The plot and acting are superb. So is the photography and direction. And when there is a final cruel act near the film's end, even the company recognizes some concessions must be made. Then the miners go back to eating coal dust while performing back-breaking work. The film
has a beginning, middle and ending, although the solution to one problem leads to another. Family respect is shown clearly: This is something vastly lacking today.

I rate this film 5*****. I have not seen a better one of its ilk.
I will watch it again and can share my copy.

doctork


organizer June 3, 2008

Good, not great

This is a fictionalized version of the documentary, Harlan County USA. It's okay, but highly staged... the "mountain dancing" scene was a little too theatrical. For some reason, the director felt it was necessary to include a gratuitous sex scene, so it rules out showing it for educational purposes in school or church. Not bad, though. February 24, 2008

An Excellent Realistic Portrayal

My grand father and and uncles worked in the coal mines of Harlan County Kentucky. Black Mountain, Red Bud, Shields, Highsplint, Evarts, Loyal, Brookside, Baxter, and Insull mines. They lived hard and difficult lives.

I am 52 years old and can remember visiting them as a child when they lived in the coal mine camp housing. The mining companies owned everything including the grocery store. Tennessee Ernie Ford said it in his song, "16 Tons". "I owe my soul to the company store."

My grand father suffered from black lung. Two of my uncles lost thier lives from a cave in while working in the coal mines. This movie hits the nail on the head. It is actually toned down from the real bloodshed those people faced at Brookside, Ky..

Holly Hunter's acting and accent is so believable. This movie should have been awarded an Oscar for best picture. It's a must have for every DVD library. March 30, 2006

Great glimpse of human spirit

Loved this movie, although I understand from reading the other reviews that it's not completely accurate. Most things aren't, and we often don't perceive truth clearly no matter how it's presented. But this work does present a fascinating character, played by Holly, who starts off (I would say) passive and becomes activated by her situation, to the benefit of her community. I thought the interchange between her and her husband after her violence was especially great - wish more entertainment would explore such moments of true struggle. This has a very particular flavor. It leaves a particular impression - and the knowledge that the bad guys don't *always* win! November 20, 2003

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