Blood on the Mountain: Why you should watch this Coal Mining movie

While the complexities of the coal industry may not be well-known outside of West Virginia, Blood on the Mountain examines the legacy of struggles by workers, their unions, and energy companies that put profits over worker safety and environmental concerns. 

With unflinching determination, it ventures into the coal mines of Appalachia, casting an unerring light on the labyrinthine depths of human perseverance, corporate avarice, and environmental degradation. 

Blood on the Mountain is one of the best coal mining movie based on a true story. 

The narrative of the movie is intended to teach Americans about the painful history of a land of opportunity, where Americans take up professions that lead to death.

The primary character is the coal mining community of West Virginia, as they consistently struggled throughout the industry’s development, whether it was the beginning of the industry when cities were built to accommodate the natural resource, or later when they formed unions, or competing non-union workers who wanted to take their jobs with the middle of protests. 

Here, we take an in-depth look at one of the best coal mining movies of our times, Blood On The Mountain. 

Critically acclaimed coal mining movie

Blood on the Mountain is a critically acclaimed documentary film that has won numerous awards, including a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. It has also been praised by audiences and critics alike for its powerful storytelling and its unflinching look at the impact of the coal mining industry on Appalachia, making it one of the best coal mining movies ever.

Blood on the Mountain is a timely and relevant movie about coal mining, as the debate over the future of coal mining in the United States continues. The film raises important questions about the cost of coal, both in terms of human health and environmental degradation. It also challenges viewers to think about the future of work and the need for a just transition to a clean energy economy.  

Plot of Blood On The Mountain

“Blood On The Mountain” unfurls like a tragic ballad, one born from the dust and grime of coal-drenched hills. This documentary presents an unrelenting exposé of the coal mining industry’s tumultuous history, juxtaposed against the lives of those trapped in its relentless cycle. 

The plot of “Blood on the Mountain” is a heartbreaking history lesson about a land of opportunity where Americans made a living but killed them. The protagonist is a West Virginia coal mining community that was in a state of constant struggle, both in the early days of the industry as towns were built to serve newfound natural resources, and later when unions or non-unionist workers fought what they wanted. Taking your job away during protests. 

Of course, recurring themes in these chapters are the toxicity of coal, which destroys workers’ lungs, or the mountains of waste produced in the grips of dams known to fail (such as the 1972 Buffalo Creek flood, which killed 125 people )). 

Evans and Freeman’s documentary movie on coal mining details this chaotic, ongoing state of inhumanity, but touches audiences with riveting journalism with riveting clarity and a big heart.

Coal mining movie based on a true story

The coal miners, their families, and experts become the unwitting actors in this real-life drama. Their candid, heart-rending testimonies add an invaluable authenticity to the documentary, enabling viewers to empathize deeply with their plights.

“Blood on the Mountain” is most remarkable for its lack of personal contact with miners, other documentary movies would have to find substitutes to follow. Its primary concern is the state of West Virginia, rather than specific cities or specific minerals. 

There are recurrent characters that return and forthwith, but they are often the villains, such as the CEO of Massey Energy, Don Blankenship, or various government officials who are depicted in video, all with the same appearance: smart, middle-aged, white, and male. 

Ultimately, the companies that are harmful begin to sound identical, often with a failed assertion of pride in their title–Patriot, Freedom. While some individuals discuss the history of the mine, others share their personal, painful experience (“We don’t know the individuals that are saved, we know the individuals that are lost”). 

However, the effect is similar to the conventional hall’s shots of men and women, all of whom wear camouflage-printed shirts that waver their signs of protest. You are unfamiliar with everyone personally, but with this documentation, you understand their personalities, and you sympathize with them, tremendously. 

Blood on the Mountain: Behind the Scenes

Evans and Freeman’s direction is a masterful orchestration of content and context. The pacing is a testament to their acumen, as they maintain a riveting momentum throughout the film. The interviews are carefully curated to convey a collective narrative that is both sobering and illuminating.

The cinematography of Blood on the Mountain is a symphony of visual contrasts. The filmmakers capture the ethereal beauty of Appalachia’s rolling hills and deep forests while juxtaposing them with the harsh, dystopian landscapes of mining sites. 

The inclusion of historical footage transports the audience to different eras, reinforcing the timelessness of the coal mining struggle. The film’s visual storytelling is a work of art in itself.

The film’s musical score provides an emotional undercurrent that harmonizes seamlessly with its thematic resonance. It underscores the heartache and hope, the struggle and resilience, without ever overshadowing the voices of the people at the heart of the documentary. The music becomes a silent chorus, amplifying the emotions on screen.

While this isn’t a traditional scripted film, the documentary excels in the realm of performance through its unscripted interviews and firsthand accounts. The coal miners, their families, and experts become the unwitting actors in a real-life drama. Their candid, heart-rending testimonies add an invaluable authenticity to the documentary, enabling viewers to empathize deeply with their plights.

Drawing on archival footage and interviews with experts, historians and many locals, this documentary chronicles the long and tumultuous history between West Virginians and the coal industry that ultimately drove the state’s citizens to the curb – But only after the mountain was flattened.

Reasons to Watch the movie Blood on the Mountain

While Blood on the Mountain is undeniably powerful, its critique of the coal industry leans heavily towards one side of the argument. A more balanced exploration of the complexities and nuances within the industry would have added depth to the documentary and provided viewers with a broader perspective.

In summation, Blood on the Mountain is an exemplar of the documentary form, a profound and unflinching exploration of the coal mining industry’s impact on Appalachia and its people. It is a clarion call to reevaluate our priorities and a poignant tribute to the resilience of those who have borne the brunt of industrial pursuits. Viewers will be left not just informed but deeply moved by this cinematic odyssey into the heart of a region and its tumultuous history.

Other notable Movies about coal mining

While “Blood On The Mountain” is undeniably powerful, its critique of the coal industry leans heavily towards one side of the argument. A more balanced exploration of the complexities and nuances within the industry would have added depth to the documentary and provided viewers with a broader perspective.

Here is an in-depth article about the best Best Coal Mining Movies

There have been several other notable Movies and documentaries about coal mining that have explored the coal mining industry and its associated issues. Some of them include classics like “Matewan” (1987) directed by John Sayles and the documentary “Harlan County, USA” (1976) directed by Barbara Kopple, both of which are highly regarded for their portrayal of coal mining and the struggles of coal miners. Harlan County U.S.A. (1976)

Some other notable coal mining movies include: The Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980), In My Father’s House (1992), October Sky (1999) and Black Lung (2016)

Overall verdict

Blood on the Mountain is a must-watch for anyone who cares about social justice, environmental protection, and the future of work. It is a powerful and moving documentary that will stay with you long after you watch it. As soon as it concluded, I wanted to re-watch it and did. The rewards are significant, the stories are intriguing, and the subjects are present as if they were completely untrained, with no added favors.

A endeavor that many historical documentaries should aim for, “Blood on the Mountain” has a lot to consider, learn from and never forget.