Review: Mine 9

Mining remains one of the most dangerous occupations and there are thousands of accidents every year all across the globe. Many of us probably don’t take the time to appreciate just how challenging this line of work is. Films such as The 33 (2015) and Harlan County, USA (1976) have captured the life of a miner, but Mine 9 has a truly distinct feel and look. This is a film which truly understands the ordeals that miners face on a daily basis, and portrays the mining community with compassion and empathy.

Mine 9 is written and directed by Eddie Mensore, whose previous film The Deposition was an intensely, intelligent thriller. Mensore suppresses himself here with Mine 9, which is a remarkable, well crafted film that will leave you on the very edge of your seat. Mine 9 isn’t just a well made film, it is a claustrophobic, truly immersive experience that leaves the viewer gasping for air.

The film’s premise is simple: Two miles into the earth, nine Appalachian miners struggle to survive after a methane explosion leaves them trapped with only one hour of oxygen. Set in a close-knit community, where everyone knows each other and their business, these nine men rely on each other greatly.

The miners are fully aware of the dangers that the job entails, and all vote to continue on with their job despite concerns regarding the lethal methane gas levels. The veteran miners are joined by Ryan (Drew Starkey) who is a rookie. His godfather Zeke and father, already work in the mine, in fact we discover that Ryan’s family have been miners for nearly two centuries.

“Mine 9 isn’t just a well made film, is a claustrophobic, truly immersive experience that leaves the viewer gasping for air.”

Zeke (Terry Serpico), the section Leader and long time coal mining veteran, has real concerns about the safety conditions of the mine. He finds himself struggling to make a decision about what would be the correct course of action. He’s concerned about the safety of his men, but also understands their need to earn a steady wage in an economically depressed region.

Ryan’s father Kenny (Mark Ashworth), is a man who has devoted his entire life to mining. However, the job has taken it toll on him, and he brings a plastic coffee cup full of booze to work just to see him through the day. Ryan seems less than happy to be going into the same line of work as his father, but there are very little options in this region.

Things quickly take a turn during Ryan’s first shift, when a huge methane explosion rips through the mine. Smoke engulfs the men, trapping them inside the shaft and forcing them to rely on their each other. The men only have one hour of air in their oxygen tanks, and the clock is ticking.

Mine 9’s opening sequence, with its shots of roaring machinery emitting truly monstrous sounds, gives this impression of how hellish these working conditions truly are. Mensore explores religion and belief within his film. yYou may not believe in a place called heaven, but by the end of the film you’l believe in hell. The mines are probably the what many of us would consider hell on earth. The miners even tease Ryan with stories that other miners have been driven insane believing that they could see the devil himself hiding in the darkness.

“With Mine 9, Mensore pays tribute to the West Virginia mining community that he grew up with… all the characters in Mine 9 are based on people Mensore grew up with, which adds another layer of authenticity to this film.”

The film’s cinematography by Matthew Boyd captures the claustrophobic space via the use of effective close-ups. And the film’s fast-paced editing by Joseph Gutowski and Mensore keep our heart beatings racing. The only really quibble to be had is that film’s runtime is rather short, but it’s the sign of a good film that it leaves the viewer wanting more.

With Mine 9, Mensore pays tribute to the West Virginia mining community that he grew up with. He filmed actual coal miners at work, and his actors used real coal mining equipment. The film’s end credits include interviews with actual miners as they recount their experiences which add a nice touch to the film. It is also worth mentioning that all the characters in Mine 9 are based on people Mensore grew up with, which adds another layer of authenticity to this film.

Mine 9 is a film which will certainly resonate with many individuals who live in these rural areas of America. However, the film’s powerful message about survival and the bond between family will prove to be something that viewers from all walks of life will connect with. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.