7.9
Where can I stream Matewan legally?
Matewan is included with a subscription to TCM in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Matewan
1987·Movie
·2h 12min·PG-13·
Matewan fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
- Tension7
- Fast Pace6
- Spectacle6
Heart
Cathartic and nostalgic
- Catharsis8
- Nostalgia8
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody4
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor2
World
Class and money, history, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and dialogue
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
MediumCathartic and nostalgic
Emotionally, it's cathartic, nostalgic, and moving.
All heart traits
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumClass and money, history, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around class and money, history, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Class & Capitalism10Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and dialogue
The direction, performances, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
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.
Labor OrganizingWest Virginia Coal Mines1920s HistoryClass StruggleWorkers' RightsSocial JusticeHistorical DramaUnionizationPolitical Commentary
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about Matewan
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Matewan worth watching?
82
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 73). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Matewan rated?
PG-13Violence
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is Matewan?
2 h 12 min
Matewan runs 2 h 12 min.
Is Matewan based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Matewan?
Critics84
Audiences86
Yes. Critics average 84 and audiences 86 out of 100, so both groups see Matewan much the same way.
Was Matewan a box office hit?
Budget$4 million
Box office$2 million
No. It cost about $4 million to make and earned $2 million worldwide, 42% of its budget.
What language is Matewan in?
EnglishItalian
It was made in English, with some Italian. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Matewan?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Matewan in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.