Conflict in Matewan John Sayles’ Matewan is a brilliant drama set detailing the conflict between coal miners and anti-union forces in 1920. Though the movie is fictional, it is based squarely on the bitter and often bloody dispute that entrenched coal miners and operators against each other for more than 20 years. One of the major problems was that coal was becoming less and less profitable to mine, and it was the workers that were absorbing the …showed first 75 words of 3132 total…

…showed last 75 words of 3132 total…fearless leaders that rally the cause. The use of sound, cinematography and mise en scene draws the audience into and helps define the struggle in Matewan. Sayles introduced characters you love, and characters you love to hate. Even working with a tight budget the film succeeds brilliantly in developing unforgettable conflict. Danny Radnor states at the end that Kenehan will be with them always. Ideals from this movie will stick with a vigilant audience forever.