This film has a riveting trailer. Thus my expectations upon viewing this documentary were very high. The full-length feature doesn't match the punch of the short trailer, but "Harlan County, U.S.A." is still worthy viewing. Be forewarned: reading historical accounts of this strike and previous Harlan County coal miners' strikes will enhance your enjoyment of this film tenfold. If you have no prior knowledge of the events depicted here, you will likely be confused and/or bored for long stretches. That said, there is some extremely compelling footage of the coal miners' hard at work at their jobs and hard at work on strike. Seeing their working/living conditions will certainly cause you to be more thankful for your job/home. Additionally, the film contains an awesome soundtrack of assorted labor songs and spirituals. The song lyrics are adapted to relate particulars about the miners' grievances. Who would have guessed so much musical inspiration could be derived from working in the coal mines?! See and hear this film and you'll understand what I mean. Although the particulars can be hard to follow at times, I understand why "Harlan County, U.S.A." was groundbreaking in the documentary genre when it was released in 1976.
Written 3/11/07
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