Matewan

Matewan

Year: 1987

Runtime: 135 min

Language: English

Director: John Sayles

DramaHistory

During the 1920s in West Virginia, tensions rise in the coal mining region as workers struggle against oppressive conditions and corporate greed. A determined labor organizer, Joe Kenehan, finds himself working alongside Few Clothes Johnson, a complex figure with his own motivations, and uniting with Matewan's supportive mayor and police chief. Together, they confront the powerful coal company and fight for justice and improved working rights, leading to a dramatic clash with significant consequences for the community.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Matewan yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Matewan (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Matewan (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie reflects a significant period in early 20th-century American labor history, focusing on the intense conflicts between miners and corporate powers. It captures the growing movement for workers' rights and the eventual push for unionization in the face of violent opposition.

Location

Mingo County, Matewan

Mingo County, located in West Virginia, is historically known for its rich coal mining heritage. The town of Matewan, a key setting in the film, symbolizes the struggles and resilience of its working-class residents during turbulent labor disputes.

🏞️ Rural ⛏️ Coal Town

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:31

Main Characters – Matewan (1987)

Meet the key characters of Matewan (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Danny

Danny serves as the narrative voice, offering a child's perspective on the complex events he witnesses. His innocence contrasts with the harsh realities of adult struggles, providing a poignant lens through which the audience views the tumultuous times.

👦 Boy 📖 Narrator

Joe Kenehan

Joe Kenehan is a passionate labor organizer whose convictions lead him to Matewan. Known for his strong beliefs and dedication to the miners' cause, he plays a crucial role in uniting the workers against corporate greed and violence.

✊ Activist 💪 Resilient

Hickey

Hickey represents corporate ruthlessness, using intimidation and violence to maintain control over the miners. His aggressive tactics reveal the lengths to which companies would go to undermine union efforts and instill fear in the community.

😈 Antagonist 🔫 Violent

C. E. Lively

C. E. Lively is an agent provocateur whose infiltration of the miners' ranks stirs violence and chaos. His deceptive role underscores the manipulation and betrayal that can occur during labor struggles.

🕵️ Infiltrator 🎭 Deceptive

Sheriff Sid Hatfield

Sheriff Sid Hatfield often finds himself at the crossroads of law and community, as he navigates the escalating tensions between miners and corporate enforcers. His actions reflect the complexities of justice within a volatile environment.

👮 Lawman ⚖️ Justice

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:31

Major Themes – Matewan (1987)

Explore the central themes of Matewan (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Conflict

The central theme revolves around the conflict between labor representatives and corporate enforcers. It highlights the brutal realities of striking for workers' rights and the moral complexities faced by individuals amid escalating violence.

🤝 Solidarity

Amidst conflict, the theme of solidarity emerges as miners from different ethnic backgrounds unite against oppression. Their collective struggle showcases the importance of community and cooperation in the fight against exploitation.

🛠️ Labor Rights

The film poignantly addresses the fight for labor rights and unionization, emphasizing the significance of collective bargaining. It serves as a historical reminder of the sacrifices made by early American laborers in pursuit of fair treatment.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:31

Unlock the Full Story of Matewan

Don't stop at just watching — explore Matewan in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Matewan is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Matewan Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Matewan, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Matewan Summary

Matewan Timeline

Track the full timeline of Matewan with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Matewan Timeline

More About Matewan

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Matewan: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Matewan

Similar Movies to Matewan

Discover movies like Matewan that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.