Salt Of The Earth 1954 Movie Review

Ever heard of a movie so controversial, it was practically banned? Well, let me tell you about Salt of the Earth (1954). It's a flick with a wild backstory and a whole lot of heart.

A Miner's Tale (With a Twist!)

The film tells the story of a strike by zinc miners in New Mexico. Sounds serious, right? It is! But get this: the miners are fighting for basic stuff, like running water and safety measures in the mines. Imagine trying to work without even being able to wash off the grime!

Things take a turn when the men are legally barred from protesting. What do they do? Their wives step in, of course! Talk about girl power before it was even a thing.

The Real Deal

Here's where things get interesting. The filmmakers didn't hire Hollywood stars. Instead, they cast actual miners and their families! Imagine seeing your neighbor on the big screen, fighting for their rights. It's like a documentary and a drama had a baby.

And that's precisely what made it so powerful. You're not watching actors pretending to be struggling; you're seeing the real deal.

Blacklisted and Bootlegged

Because of its pro-union stance and the fact that many involved were suspected communists during the McCarthy era, the film was essentially blacklisted. No movie theaters wanted to show it. Can you believe that?

It became this underground sensation. People passed around bootleg copies. They held secret screenings in churches and union halls. It's like a cinematic speakeasy!

That adds to the film's rebellious charm, doesn't it?

What Makes It So Special?

Beyond the controversy, Salt of the Earth is just a really good movie. The acting is raw and authentic.

You feel like you're right there with the miners and their families, sharing their struggles and their triumphs. The film centers around Esperanza Quintero, played by Rosaura Revueltas, her journey from a somewhat submissive wife to a strong, independent leader is fantastic to watch.

It's a reminder that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they stand together. The film highlighted the role of the women in the family and the strike which was something rarely seen at that time.

More Than Just a History Lesson

Sure, Salt of the Earth is a piece of history. It tells us about a specific time and place. But it's also timeless.

It's about fighting for what's right, even when the odds are stacked against you. It's about the power of community. It's about the strength of women.

And let's be honest, we could all use a little bit of that right now. Also the struggles of the Quintero's is presented with humor and a degree of everyday reality which is amazing to watch.

Give It a Watch!

If you're looking for a movie that's thought-provoking, inspiring, and maybe a little bit scandalous, give Salt of the Earth a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

Who knows, you might even find yourself wanting to join a picket line (or at least start a really good book club!). It is very easy to find online, and many streaming services offer it as part of their library. It is not your run of the mill Hollywood film.

It's a piece of cinematic dynamite, waiting to explode with its message of hope and resistance. Don't miss out on this classic, and especially don't miss out on the fantastic performance by Rosaura Revueltas.