esrosedotblog

UNION MADE

Today's NYTimes Best 1176 Film was

Harlan County USA (1976)

This is a documentary. It covers 6 years of struggle between the miners and the company in (what else) Harlan County KY.

It is a great film and keeps you on your toes just watching it. It never talks down.

There is actual violence; the shootin' kind. And a thumbnail history of the UMW from its glory days through its corruption days to the present day. Well, 1976.

The issues are as alive today as they were then. Mine accidents continue. Pay is still meager.

It is an awful job.

I will give it a 4 out of Netflix5 because I thought that it was a bit long although, perhaps, the quiet before the storm of violence was required for dramatic impact.

I also have problems sitting through documentaries. It is probably a great film.