Harlan County, USA

Harlan County, USA is a 1976 documentary by Barbara Kopple that deals with a strike by mine workers in the early 1970s. Kopple films the strike from the miners' point of view, attending union meetings and actual picket lines, where much of the film's action occurs. That is what was so interesting about this film to me. Despite the fact that it is a documentary, it seems to have elements of drama and action that get you to really care about the miners' plight and want them to succeed against the almost too-evil Duke Power Company. This story could have easily been adapted to a Hollywood vehicle, and it would have made perfect sense.
Kopple's main tactic in the film is using interviews with miners to establish their plight and create feelings of sympathy within the audience. Once you've heard the fifth story about how someone was injured in the mines due to terrible safety standards, it's very easy to agree that the miners deserve a pay raise. And once the strike-breakers show up brandishing weapons and trying to get the miners to disperse through intimidation, the viewer is left practically cheering for the miners to persevere.
Another thing I loved about this film was the soundtrack. Some of the songs in the film were actually sung on-camera by residents of Harlan County. Others were written by locals, and this adds an air authenticity to the work. When tales of miners' hardships are segued by mournful country and bluegrass music (the real deal, not the polished Nashville country that's all over the radio), it combines for an effect that is very powerful.
Overall, the film works very well. The inherent drama in the story makes for a very compelling documentary. However, the end of the film is somewhat ambiguous, with the miners' demands being met, only for another strike to be called by the union the next year. I suppose this shows the tenuous balance that companies and unions fight each other to maintain, but it was somewhat of a confusing message after the initial strike had finally ended (due in large part to the murder of a striking miner). Regardless, the film was very good, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone (who does not run a power company).