Watch Coal Miner's Daughter

Coal Miner's Daughter is a 1980 biographical drama film that is directed by Michael Apted and stars Sissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones, and Levon Helm in leading roles. The movie is based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Loretta Lynn, which depicts her early life, rise to fame, and struggles in the music industry. Set in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, Coal Miner's Daughter tells the story of a young Loretta Webb (played by Spacek) who marries Doolittle Lynn (played by Jones) at the age of 13 and then moves to Washington with him to start a life together. Doo, as he is affectionately called by Loretta, is a coal miner who dreams of a better life for himself and his family. Loretta, who has always had a flair for singing, begins performing in local bars and honky-tonks, and slowly but steadily gains popularity in the music circuit.

As Loretta's fame grows, she faces several obstacles, including sexism, financial crises, and marital discord. Her husband Doo is often overprotective and jealous of her success, which leads to arguments and conflicts. Loretta, who is also struggling with her role as a mother to her six children, finds solace in her music, which becomes the driving force of her life.

Throughout the movie, we see Loretta's transformation from a shy, naive girl to a confident woman who stands up for herself and her music. Spacek's portrayal of Loretta is outstanding and she won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. Tommy Lee Jones also does a commendable job as Doo, portraying the complexities of a man who loves his wife but finds it difficult to cope with her fame.

The movie features several memorable scenes, including Loretta's first recording session, where she is nervous and unsure of herself but manages to deliver a soulful rendition of her song. Another standout scene is when Loretta performs at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time, an achievement that cements her status as a rising star in the music world.

Aside from the lead actors, the supporting cast of Coal Miner's Daughter is also noteworthy. Levon Helm plays Loretta's father, Ted Webb, a stern but loving man who instills in his daughter a sense of self-respect and perseverance. Beverly D'Angelo, who plays Loretta's friend Patsy Cline, also gives a memorable performance, capturing the spirit and energy of the country music icon.

The film's soundtrack is also a highlight, as it features some of Loretta Lynn's most popular songs, including "Coal Miner's Daughter," "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl," and "You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man)." The music plays an integral role in the narrative, providing a window into Loretta's struggles and triumphs.

All in all, Coal Miner's Daughter is an inspiring biopic that offers a glimpse into the life of one of country music's biggest stars. With a brilliant performance from Sissy Spacek, heartfelt storytelling, and a great soundtrack, the movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves music and a good old-fashioned rags-to-riches story.

Coal Miner's Daughter is a 1980 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 87.