Roughly 20 years (1930s-40s) in the life and struggles of a family and the community in a small coal mining town in Hokkaido, seen mainly through the eyes of the mother, portrayed by the great Yamada Isuzu.
The film opens with the statement that “This movie was funded by the contributions of 33 yen from each coal miner in Hokkaido.” and it has, here and there, almost a documentary touch, it’s directed by Kamei after all.
The depiction of the harsh working conditions and the exploitation of the workers is very effective and infuriating, and thus when, in the second part of the movie, the miners decide to unionize, rebel and react to the owners, it’s a really rewarding payoff.…