King Coal

I saw this at Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham AL (August 27, 2023). My friend and I left another movie to see this one, largely because coal and iron play a large role in the history of our town.

I was not prepared for what I saw. The visual poetry was of such high quality, both in production and choices, that I largely didn't remember I was sitting in a seat in a fully packed audience -- and in all honesty, it seemed that was true of all others sitting with me. However you feel about coal and its complexity, the visuals alone are worth your time.

Along with the visual poetry, the narrator weighs in with their take in a gentle way. I can't remember a documentary (and that is my favorite genre) that combines the commentary with the visuals better than this one.

The film is very careful not to bring politics into it. It takes no sides. Its focus is on, as it begins, with place and how place defines the boundaries of all who live there.

Powerful in all ways I know how to explain.

This film manages to achieve what so few do: Take a look at a subject without resorting to cliche or repetition. So many perspectives on coal are black and white -- this one explores the complex and historical relationship with coal of the people who live and work with it. It does not demonize coal or coal miners, nor does it whitewash the devastating effects of the industry on the land and people. For once Appalachians are portrayed in a nuanced, compassionate way, and with the perspective provided you come to understand how and why coal has helped and hindered Appalachia. It took me several days to conclude what I had been trying to figure out: This film is art, not just a simple documentary. It braves the risk of presenting a story within the story, focusing on a child and how she grows up with the complicated realities of her region. The stunning visuals made me eager for others to see past the stereotypes into the beauty that is this sacred place. Well done, Ms. Sheldon.

Although it's nice to see some homie country folk, all of my people are from Eastern Kentucky and my grandpa was a coal miner who had black lung, there is almost no truth to this documentary, it shows some people and some reminiscing and talks about coal mining a little bit, but there's no truth to this!, how dangerous it is?, yeah, everyone knows that, that it's a part of all these people's lives and has been for generations?, yeah, everybody knows that, what's missing is the part about why we need to stop using coal because of the health dangers to the miners, which are skipped over entirely, and most importantly, the whole thing about how bad it is for the environment!, and how many hundreds of thousands of people die because of burning coal!, yeah, skip this slanted viewpoint, which never really makes a point.

I was expecting something much more incisive about these troubled coal producing regions. There is just an inkling of that - with some funerals and the historical animosity towards unions. But most of the time the film just drifts along with children walking in the woods and sauntering by streams. It's all very lyrical and poetic.

Nothing is said about the current opiate addiction problems. Little about the health problems of miners. Everybody looks reasonably content and happy. Not a hint of how the decaying coal industry has ravaged the lives of these people.

Looking at the homes shown - they all look middle class with not a hint of poverty. We are viewing a Potemkin village in rustic West Virginia or Kentucky.

Saw this at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival

"King Coal" is a documentary about the cultural roots of coal continue to permeate the rituals of daily life in Appalachia even as its economic power wanes. The journey of a coal miner's daughter exploring the region's dreams and myths, untangling the pain and beauty. King Coal has amazing camerawork and beautiful scenarios of the American country landscapes and coal mining environment.

The film consistent and non-traditional formula style of filmmaking and it offers a nice insight of the environment, tone and setting. It does suffer from some lack of energy and tone problems but I still did enjoy learning about the Appalachia landscapes and what makes the place very special.

Rating: B-