"Which Side are You On?

Harlan County U.S.A. (1976)
Directed by Barbara Kopple, rated PG, 103 minutes

Harlan County U.S.A. is a bleak and even frightening documentary about the tumultuous, bitter and violent strike by coal miners in Kentucky. Filmed during the actual strike, there are plenty of colorful Kentuckians in the film, like one opinionated woman who keeps a revolver in her bra, and the villain of the film, a corporate "gun thug," is truly scary. Though the film is obviously pro-union, it doesn't feel biased because it shows real events and only presents the facts. Harlan County U.S.A captures a rare and shocking period in American history, and has some truly haunting and shocking images. You'll like it if: You like documentaries, films about coal miners, 70's cinema, Gimme Shelter, Erin Brockovich or Salesman.