clark1972 Review of Harlan County U.S.A.

Harlan County U.S.A. (1976)

A great film that means a lot to us here.

[8/10 · 23 January 2005]

Harlan County USA chronicles the last big strike here in Harlan county. It is very one sided and sympathizes with the miners and their families. But that is okay, considering that the miners were in the right. The film shows the utterly dismal conditions that coal operators were willing to put other human beings through to make a little more profit. The coal operator has never been a well liked person here in eastern Kentucky. Kopple does an excellent job of presenting life here and the solidarity among the strikers. She brilliantly juxtaposes the natural beauty against the extreme poverty. And it isn't just thirty years ago that there were places without running water. I know of homes without as recent as 1996 that had no running water and dirt floors. Sadly the mines that brought this area a little bit of wealth has almost completely died out. Strip mining has damaged a lot of our mountains and ruined streams. Mines are beginning to reopen after the Bush administrations relaxing of regulations. But they are hiring illegals to work at slave wages. The feudalistic society still pervades to this day here in Harlan county. I am glad to read all the glowing revues of the film and the affection expressed for the working people of Harlan county. Keep us in your minds and hearts and make sure as many people as possible see this film.