Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Chris Cooper | ... | ||
Mary McDonnell | ... |
Elma Radnor
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Will Oldham | ... |
Danny Radnor
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David Strathairn | ... | ||
Ken Jenkins | ... |
Sephus Purcell
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Kevin Tighe | ... |
Hickey
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Gordon Clapp | ... |
Tom Griggs
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Bob Gunton | ... |
C.E. Lively
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Jace Alexander | ... |
Hillard Elkins
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Joe Grifasi | ... |
Fausto
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Nancy Mette | ... |
Bridey Mae
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Jo Henderson | ... |
Mrs. Elkins
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Josh Mostel | ... |
Cabell Testerman
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Gary McCleery | ... |
Ludie
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Maggie Renzi | ... |
Rosaria
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Mingo County, West Virginia, 1920. Coal miners, struggling to form a union, are up against company operators and the gun thugs of the notorious Baldwin-Felts detective agency. Black and Italian miners, brought in by the company to break the strike, are caught between the two forces. UMWA organizer and dual-card Wobbly Joe Kenehan determines to bring the local, Black, and Italian groups together. While Kenehan and his story are fictional, the setting and the dramatic climax are historical; Sid Hatfield, Cabell C. Testerman, C. E. Lively and the Felts brothers were real-life participants, and 'Few Clothes' is based on a character active several years previously. Written by Susan C. Mitchell <susanm@indirect.com>, expanded by Silverwhistle
Looking back to 1987 I have to wonder why this masterpiece was not nominated for Best Picture. But then again, this is the same institution that voted for films such as Braveheart and Forrest Gump. Is the Academy afraid of John Sayles?
See Matewan for its wonderful portrayal of the events that occurred in West Virginia in the 1920's. See this film for its phenomenal cast. See it for its beautiful cinematography. There is an ethereal glow that envelopes the characters and buildings of Matewan.
There is also an underlying allegorical depiction of Christ and his followers. Chris Cooper is a saint. He reminds me of Gary Cooper a little bit. He has such an unusual handsome face. He is the protagonist joined by James Earl Jones, Mary Mcdonnell, and Will Oldman. Perhaps the most fascinating character is that of the Sheriff portrayed by Strathairn. He is the angel on the black horse who carries with him the wrath of God. Just watch him stand up against the bad guys.
The main antagonistic characters are pure evil. They terrorize the inhabitants of Matewan with juvenile antics.
Please see this film and be prepared to have it imbedded in your mind for the rest of your life. This is what great film making is about