Watch Joe Hill

Joe Hill is a biographical drama movie directed by Bo Widerberg and released in 1971. Set in the early 1900s, the film depicts the life of Joe Hill, a Swedish immigrant and labor activist who became a prominent figure in the American labor movement. The film stars Thommy Berggren as Joe Hill, Anja Schmidt as his girlfriend and Kelvin Malave as a fellow laborer.

The plot follows the story of Joe Hill, who migrates to America to start a new life. Initially, Joe works as a laborer, but he becomes increasingly involved in the labor movement after witnessing the mistreatment of workers by their employers. Joe joins the Industrial Workers of the World, a revolutionary union organization that aims to unite all workers, regardless of their race or gender, under one banner.

Joe quickly becomes a vital member of the union, and his passionate speeches and songs inspire his fellow workers to fight for better conditions and wages. However, Joe's activism soon puts him in conflict with the powerful business interests who seek to maintain the status quo. As tensions rise between the workers and the capitalist bosses, Joe becomes a target for persecution and is falsely accused of murder.

The rest of the film follows Joe's fight to clear his name and prove his innocence while also advocating for the rights of all workers. His supporters start a campaign to free him from jail, and his songs become anthems for the labor movement. However, as the trial approaches, the situation becomes increasingly tense, and Joe's fate seems uncertain.

The film is a powerful depiction of the sacrifice and dedication of the labor movement, as well as the struggle for justice and equality. It portrays both the heroism and the tragedy of Joe Hill's life, highlighting his passion for justice and the impact he had on the labor movement.

The performances by the cast are excellent, particularly that of Thommy Berggren as Joe Hill. He delivers a nuanced and passionate portrayal of the labor activist that captures the spirit of the character. Anja Schmidt's portrayal of Joe's girlfriend is also noteworthy, as she provides a strong and supportive presence for Joe in the film.

The film's cinematography is also impressive, with its gritty realism portraying the environment of early 1900s America. The scenes of the laborers working in poor conditions, contrasted with the upscale lifestyle of the capitalist bosses, are particularly effective in highlighting the social and economic inequalities of the time.

Overall, Joe Hill is a compelling and inspiring biography of a remarkable figure in American labor history. The film is a tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of the labor movement, as well as a cautionary tale of the struggle against injustice and exploitation. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the labor movement or the fight for social justice.

Joe Hill is a 1971 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.