Matewan poster
FilmDramaHistory

Matewan (1987)

PG-13 · 1987-08-28 · 2h 12m · EN
72%
User score
89 votes
▶ Play trailerIMDb ↗
Sign in to build your library →

It takes more than guns to kill a man.

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.

Read the Matewan feature →
John SaylesDirector, Writer
Budget
$4M
Box office
$1.7M

Where to watch Matewan

All countries & options →
Stream
Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video with Ads
Where to watch Matewan in your country →

Showing GB. Availability data by JustWatch.

Media

Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Chris CooperChris CooperJoe KenehanJames Earl JonesJames Earl Jones'Few Clothes' JohnsonMary McDonnellMary McDonnellElma RadnorWill OldhamWill OldhamDanny RadnorDavid StrathairnDavid StrathairnPolice Chief Sid HatfieldKen JenkinsKen JenkinsSephus PurcellGordon ClappGordon ClappGriggsKevin TigheKevin TigheHickeyJohn SaylesJohn SaylesHardshell PreacherJace AlexanderJace AlexanderHilllard ElkinsBob GuntonBob GuntonC.E. LivelyJoe GrifasiJoe GrifasiFausto

Keywords

Based on a true storyAppalachia1920sWest virginiaRacismPreacherLabor unionIndependent filmCoal miningMiners strikeLabor organizerWorker's rightsBased on true story

Movie DNA

Genre affinityDrama · HistoryTheme affinityBased On A True Story · Appalachia · 1920sDialogue densityDramaPacingLongDirector preference103419Actor preference119516 · 91892 · 6902

More like this

More Drama →
Sixty Minutes★ 7Viewing moment
Sixty Minutes
2024
Napoleon★ 6.5Viewing moment
Napoleon
2023
Oppenheimer★ 8.1Viewing moment
Oppenheimer
2023
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes★ 7.2Viewing moment
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
2023
Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire★ 6.4Viewing moment
Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire
2023
Sound of Freedom★ 8.1Viewing moment
Sound of Freedom
2023
The Flash★ 6.8Viewing moment
The Flash
2023
The Creator★ 7.2Viewing moment
The Creator
2023
My Fault★ 8Viewing moment
My Fault
2023
Silent Night★ 6.2Viewing moment
Silent Night
2023
Avatar: The Way of Water★ 7.6Viewing moment
Avatar: The Way of Water
2022
El padrino: The Latin Godfather★ 6.8Viewing moment
El padrino: The Latin Godfather
2004

Frequently asked questions about Matewan

What is Matewan about?

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.

How long is Matewan?

Matewan has a runtime of 132 minutes.

Where can I watch Matewan?

Open the Vlovu watch guide for current streaming, rental, and purchase options.