In 1973, when the Brookside coal miners voted to join the United Mine Workers union, The Duke Power Company refused to sign the union's contact. The struggle that broke out between the company and the workers was brilliantly documented by Barbara Kopple in this Academy Award-winning documentary. With a haunting country and bluegrass soundtrack, Harlan County USA is a powerful, sometimes heartbreaking record of the thirteen-month struggle between a community fighting to survive and a corporation dedicated to the bottom line.
Review
This Academy Award-winning documentary compellingly involves the viewer in the plight of Kentucky coal miners up against the Eastover Mining Company. The strikers are presented forthrightly, without condescension or glamorization, and with dignity. Surprisingly effective and immediate, the film retains its relevance regarding the conditions affecting American workers today. Highly recommended.
Audio commentary: by Kopple and editor Nancy Baker
Documentaries: The Making of “Harlan County USA,” a new documentary featuring interviews with Kopple, crew members, and strike participants featured in the film
Interview(s): New video interview with legendary bluegrass singer-songwriter Hazel Dickens; New video interview with director John Sayles
Bonus footage: Never-before-seen outtakes from the film
A panel discussion from 2005 Sundance featuring Kopple and Roger Ebert; New essays by film scholar Paul Arthur and music journalist Jon Weisberger
