Matewan (1987)

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.

Genres: Drama, History

What to watch after Matewan

• Dances with Wolves (1990)
• True Grit (2010) — Same feel: dramatic, realistic
• Glory (1989) — Same subject: racism
• Lone Star (1996) — John Sayles directed both
• Cry Freedom (1987) — Same feel: dramatic, moralistic
• Eight Men Out (1988) — Same feel: dramatic, realistic