Movies About Class Struggle

From Barbara Kopple, starring John L. Lewis, Carl Horn, Norman Yarborough, Logan Patterson
Rated PG

Harlan County U.S.A. is an Academy Award-winning documentary film directed by Barbara Kopple that examines the struggle of coal miners in Harlan County, Kentucky for better wages and working conditions. The film follows the miners' 1972 strike against the Eastover Mining Company, a powerful company that refused to sign a union contract. Through interviews, archival footage, and scenes from the strike, the film chronicles the miners' struggle over the course of 13 months and the different tactics used by both sides. In addition to documenting the miners' fight for their rights, the film also examines the personal impact of the strike on the miners and their families. Harlan County U.S.A. is an important historical document that examines the power of organized labor and its ability to effect change in an oppressive system.

From Mike Leigh, starring Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn, Phyllis Logan, Claire Rushbrook
Rated R

"Secrets & Lies" is a 1996 British drama film written and directed by Mike Leigh. It stars Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Hortense, a young Black optometrist who discovers a family secret that changes her life. She discovers that the white woman she thought was her mother is actually her grandmother, and that her biological mother is a white woman named Cynthia Purley. The film follows Hortense as she attempts to adjust to her new reality and find her place in the world. Along the way, she must face her family's secrets and lies while learning to accept the truth. The film explores the complex relationships between family members, friends, and strangers as they attempt to come to terms with one another's secrets and lies.

From Ken Loach, starring Dave Johns, Hayley Squires, Sharon Percy, Briana Shann
Rated R

I, Daniel Blake is a 2016 British social realist drama film directed by Ken Loach and written by Loach's frequent collaborator Paul Laverty. The film tells the story of a 59-year-old joiner, Daniel Blake (Dave Johns), and his struggles navigating the bureaucracy of the British welfare system. When Daniel suffers a heart attack, he is declared unfit for work, but the system refuses to provide him with any benefits. Daniel then meets Katie (Hayley Squires) and her two children, Daisy and Dylan, who have recently relocated to the city from London and are facing similar struggles. Together, Daniel and Katie face a bureaucratic struggle for welfare, and ultimately form a friendship that helps both of them. The film examines the issues faced by those on the bottom rungs of society who are simply trying to make ends meet.

From Gregory Nava, starring Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez, David Villalpando, Ernesto Gómez Cruz, Alicia del Lago
Rated R

El Norte tells the story of two Guatemalan siblings, Enrique and Rosa, as they flee their country to escape poverty and political oppression. The siblings embark on a treacherous journey across Mexico and into the United States in search of a better life. Along the way, they face many obstacles such as hunger, language barriers, and the danger of being discovered and deported back to Guatemala. Ultimately, Enrique and Rosa make it to Los Angeles, where they struggle to make ends meet, find work, and build a new life for themselves. Through their struggles, they are able to find a sense of hope and a brighter future ahead.

From Mike Leigh, starring David Thewlis, Lesley Sharp, Katrin Cartlidge, Greg Cruttwell
Rated Not Rated

Naked is a British film directed by Mike Leigh and released in 1993. It tells the story of Johnny, a homeless drifter who wanders the streets of London. Through a series of vignettes, we learn of Johnny’s isolated and desperate life, as he interacts with a variety of people and comes to terms with his own mortality. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a former lover, a young mother, and an aspiring writer. As he copes with a feeling of alienation and loneliness, Johnny ultimately finds a measure of peace in his struggles. The film is an exploration of alienation, human connection, and the fragility of life.

From Ken Loach, starring Kris Hitchen, Debbie Honeywood, Rhys Mcgowan, Katie Proctor
Rated Not Rated

Sorry We Missed You is a 2019 British drama film written and directed by Ken Loach. It stars Kris Hitchen and Debbie Honeywood as Ricky and Abbie, a couple struggling against financial hardship in Newcastle upon Tyne. Ricky takes a job as a delivery driver, while Abbie works as a home carer. The couple and their two children, Seb and Liza, try to make ends meet, but the demands of Ricky's job and Abbie's responsibilities at home begin to take a toll on the family. As Ricky works longer and longer hours, Abbie and their children start to feel the strain. The film depicts the harsh realities of the gig economy and the struggles of ordinary people trying to survive in an increasingly precarious world.

From Alan Clarke, starring Ray Winstone, Mick Ford, Julian Firth, John Blundell
Rated R

Scum is a British crime drama film directed by Alan Clarke and released in 1979. The film tells the story of a young, delinquent offender named Carlin (Ray Winstone), who is sent to a delinquency center run by an oppressive and corrupt governor (Mick Ford). While inside, Carlin must navigate a hostile environment filled with violence, racism, and abuse. Through his own strength and resilience, Carlin is able to outsmart and outlast the oppressive system, culminating in a powerful and emotional scene in which he is finally released. The film highlights the institutionalised violence and neglect of Britain's criminal justice system, and was banned from television upon its initial release due to its graphic content and subject matter. Despite this, it has been praised by critics and audiences alike, and is widely considered to be a classic of British cinema.

From Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne, starring Émilie Dequenne, Fabrizio Rongione, Anne Yernaux, Olivier Gourmet
Rated R

From Herbert J. Biberman, starring Juan Chacón, Rosaura Revueltas, Will Geer, David Bauer
Rated Not Rated

From Bruno Dumont, starring David Douche, Marjorie Cottreel, Kader Chaatouf, Sébastien Delbaere
Rated Not Rated

From Richard Linklater, starring Richard Linklater, Rudy Basquez, Jean Caffeine, Jan Hockey
Rated R

From Tony Richardson, starring Richard Burton, Claire Bloom, Mary Ure, Edith Evans
Rated Approved

From Boots Riley, starring LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler, Omari Hardwick
Rated R

From Jean-Luc Godard, starring Jean-Marc Stehlé, Agatha Couture, Mathias Domahidy, Quentin Grosset
Rated Not Rated

From Bruce La Bruce, starring Susanne Sachße, Daniel Bätscher, Andreas Stich, Dean Monroe
Rated Unrated