The Riot

A gripping story set in 1907, with miners facing hard times and difficult conditions. The story revolves around a young boy, Konrad, who escapes from a farm where he was forced to work for free. He applies for a job in a mine and has a pretty tough start, it's a not a job wimps and he's an outsider among the adults who don't give him much of a chance, but he surprises them and soon becomes a full member. The film tells a compelling story that immediately draws you in, captivated by the nice period setting, the rough work of the miners, who are treated badly, their pay is cut, they are given tough assignments and the management are getting greedy and want more money, but as it happens action provokes a reaction and rebellion is inevitable. Visually the film is very nice, so is the acting, it's even quite suspenseful in certain sequences, there are some skirmishes and minor plot surprises. All in all, a well made film with a strong story from a tough setting. 75%. (10.04.2024)