Matewan
Matewan Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 12, 2026
Movie Overview: Matewan
| Movie | Matewan |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | John Sayles |
| Genre | Drama / History |
| Runtime | 132 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Matewan (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Matewan are led by Chris Cooper . The supporting cast, including James Earl Jones and Mary McDonnell , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Matewan stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Matewan has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Matewan
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Matewan is a Drama, History film directed by John Sayles. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Chris Cooper.
Ending Explained: Matewan
Matewan Ending Explained: Directed by John Sayles, Matewan resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Chris Cooper. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Matewan reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Matewan Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Matewan Based on a True Story?
Matewan is inspired by documented historical events. As a drama, history film directed by John Sayles, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: Matewan uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. Viewers interested in the real history may want to explore historical sources alongside the film.
Who Should Watch Matewan?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Chris Cooper or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Matewan
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $4.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Matewan Budget
The estimated production budget for Matewan is $4.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Matewan
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Matewan Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon ChannelMatewan Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Matewan age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Matewan is 132 minutes (2h 12m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, Matewan is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matewan worth watching?
Matewan is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Matewan parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Matewan identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Matewan?
The total duration of Matewan is 132 minutes, which is approximately 2h 12m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
