Coal Miner's Daughter Reviews

• Biopic of Loretta Lynn Just Gets Better with Age!

  
  By A31I3HXMD5H1EL on 2005-10-25
  To me, the success of a film biography isn't whether fans of the personality will watch the movie; they will, whether it is any good, or not...the true measure of success is how the film captures an audience who DON'T know the person, and wins their hearts.
  
  "Coal Miner's Daughter" does this, better than nearly any other 'biopic', and the film is as passionate and wonderful today as it was in 1980.
  
  There are several reasons for the film's 'staying' power; first, British director Michael Apted, making his first American feature, brought an unbiased eye to the lifestyle of poor but proud rural America. Eschewing the clichés of the "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Dukes of Hazzards" stereotypes, he cast many 'locals' in the film, and attempted to recreate, as realistically as possible, the world Loretta Webb/Lynn knew so well.
  
  Second, the film boasts not one or two, but three powerhouse supporting performances. Tommy Lee Jones, who Apted picked over Harrison Ford, is a revelation as Doolittle 'Mooney' Lynn. With only a handful of credits when the film was released, he demonstrated the dazzling combination of humor and sensitivity that would eventually win him a place as one of our finest actors. Levon Helm, making his dramatic debut as Loretta's father, Ted, is even more impressive. Low-key, but irresistible, he offers so much love and power in his portrayal that it's easy to see why he would remain influential to his superstar daughter, long after his passing. In a brief but sparkling portrayal, Beverly D'Angelo channels Patsy Cline to perfection (I may be alone in my opinion, but I prefer her portrayal over Jessica Lange's, in "Sweet Dreams"). With earthy charm and worldliness, she would change Loretta's image from 'cowgirl' to 'royalty', and her shocking, early death would shatter Loretta, much as it would for everyone who loved her.
  
  Of course, without a strong, charismatic performance in the lead, nothing else would matter, and Sissy Spacek is nothing less than spectacular! Handpicked by Loretta Lynn, herself, from a photograph (Spacek would admit that she felt 'wrong' for the role, and uncomfortable about Lynn proclaiming the actress as "her" choice on national TV, but as she was preparing to turn it down, "Coal Miner's Daughter" came on a 'classical' radio station she was listening to, and she suddenly knew she was 'meant' to play the part!) Contrary to popular opinion, she had to learn Lynn's Southern accent, and spent grueling weeks learning how to sing her signature tunes (including a week with Loretta, herself). The end results are stunning! Despite only a passing resemblance, Spacek so totally captured the talent, vulnerability, feistiness, and strength of Loretta Lynn that she won the 1980 'Best Actress' Oscar (over Gena Rowlands, Ellen Burstyn, Goldie Hawn, and Mary Tyler Moore), and is still identified with the role, today.
  
  I knew little of Country Music in 1980, and even less about Loretta Lynn, but the film captured my heart...and after 25 years, it still moves me!
  
  "Coal Miner's Daughter" IS a CLASSIC!
  
  

• Great Bonus Features, Classic Film

  
  By A2BEU7GPGNIG44 on 2005-09-19
  Coal Miner's Daughter was the movie of 1980. Sissy Spacek starred in the country music autobiography as Loretta Lynn. The movie was based on the book Coal Miner's Daughter. The book was the first country autobiography to hit the best seller list. Prior to Coal Miner's Daughter Sissy Spacek was best known for her role as Carrie in the Stephen King horror film. Sissy won audiences over with her realistic portrayal of Loretta Lynn and she took home the 1980 Oscar for Best Actress.
  
  The DVD includes some really good bonus features. The DVD includes a brand new interview with Loretta Lynn and the films director. Loretta explains how she handpicked Sissy Spacek for the film based on a stack of pictures. She also says that she can't watch the film because it's "too real." Loretta also discloses that she took Sissy on the Oprey with her and Sissy would perform right along with her sometimes. The interview is conducted from the "Coal Miner's Daughter" Museum.
  
  Tommy Lee Jones appears in a brand new interview where he discusses his involvement with the film. His hair looks dark and his beard looks a bit scruffy.Sissy Spacek doesn't appear on screen in a new interview but she does participate in a film commentary along with the films director. This special edition also includes a Photo Journal. This booklet is rather thin and not really of the same quality as the booklets Universal released with the Jaw special edition. It's a great DVD.
  
  

• Diamonds From Coal.

  
  By A2HIWDD2TDXS19 on 2002-06-06
  I LOVE this movie. This heartwarming, true rag-to-riches film about the life of Loretta Lynn took even the most sophisticated audiences by surprise when it was first released. Sissy Spacek is wonderfully accurate in her portrayal of the legendary but still humble and approachable country music star. This film made people who HATED country music take a second look. The story of the backwards, backwoods, painfully shy little girl whose simple, self-penned, biographical songs made her a huge star with almost unequaled # 1 country hits, is just as touching and great as when it was released. Tommy Lee Jones is perfect as "Doo", the man who stood by his woman, and Beverly D'Angelo gives a memorable performance as the legendary Patsy Cline. The fact that Spacek and D'Angelo so effectively do all their own singing, considering the shoes they had to fill, just makes this film all that much of a wonder. Levon Helm, of The Band, is also very good as "Lorettys" daddy. Just an all- around terrific film, with many touching moments from a by-gone time, when a little girl with a record could tap on the radio station window one day, and be a star a week later. Sissy Spacek's Oscar winning performance makes for a total class production about a total class lady. Loretta Lynn became one of this city boys favorites since seeing this film, and she remains so... a true, greatly admired, humanitarian *star*, who could teach most other celebrities a thing or two about "stardom". A perfect film for the whole family, the ultimate "feel good" movie. Thanks Loretty !! (And Sissy, too.) Just GREAT!!
  
  

• One of the best dat-gum movies ever!

  
  By A2EIEINHUZTU11 on 2003-06-28
  Finally, it's on DVD!

  Okay, I'm one of those folks who knows this movie up and down, back and forth, word-for-Kentucky-word, and proud of it!

  I remember seeing this film on the big screen in 1980, when I barely knew who Loretta Lynn was, and I loved it dearly from that moment on.

  If this film hadn't been up against my other all-time favorite movie for the Best Picture Oscar in 1980, it should have (and would have) won, hands-down.

  I waited for years for this film to finally be released on DVD, and I wasn't disappointed. My VHS edition, while as wonderful as a pan&scan movie can be, was worn out from repeated viewing. The quality of the picture and sound on the DVD is superb, as are the special features, including an interview with Director Michael Apted and Miss Loretta Lynn herself, as well as a rememberance by Tommy Lee Jones. Once you've watched the whole film all the way through, you'll want to watch it again with the commentary by Sissy Spacek and Director Michael Apted.

  Even if you have never heard the name "Loretta Lynn", you'll adore and treasure your "Coal Miner's Daughter" DVD.

  My Jaw's-a-swellin' up - from pure happiness!
  
  

• GREAT, GREAT MOVIE. WHO HATES THIS MOVIE?

  
  By on 1999-09-17
  Loretta Lynn is one of the most beautiful voices that is out there. I may not agree with her seemingly uniformed political opinions but she is not a bad person. In fact my love for her increases every time she sings. She is what country should be. A strong woman not afraid to address issues and with real emotion that severely lacks today. The music also has emotion, not like a country star today who wants to sound rock and roll or so concerned with image singing about car parts and thinking if they sing about "simple" things that people will view them that way. No, Loretta is stronger than that and you can see why. Beautiful locations were picked by director Micheal Apted who really seems to love the mountain land as a character just as he did in Nell. I grew up in those mountains and they affect your life profoundly. Sissy is so great as is the tragically underrated Beverly D'Angelo who should have at least been nominated!!
  
  
• Best Country Bio Picture Ever Made .Loretta is the QUEEN !
  By on 1999-11-19
  I never grow tired of this movie. I have seen it over 100 times since it was released in 1980.I own it on laser disc,VHS and hope to find it on DVD. Sissy Spacek did a outstanding job playing the "Queen Of Country Music," Loretta Lynn. She more than earned the Oscar & golden globe awards show won. The soundtrack album is also a winner ! Everyone cast in this film was perfect. This film received 7 Academy Award nominations includeing BEST PICTURE. Loretta Lynn is still going strong 20 years after this movie was released. I seen her in concert recently and she still rules as the "QUEEN." I look foward to a sequal to this all time favorite film.
  
  
• Often imitated, never duplicated . . .
  By on 2003-06-11
  . . . and, frankly, usually never even approached, in terms of quality. *Coal Miner's Daughter* set the bar very high indeed for the biopic. Most likely this was because the subject of the film, Loretta Lynn, was deeply involved in the project: it was based on her biography; Sissy Spacek actually lived with Lynn for almost a year prior to shooting; and Lynn basically kept a close watch on the proceedings. Loretta Lynn is a tough broad. If director Michael Apted had had any thoughts of making this a "sensational" piece, Lynn disabused him of the notion rather early, I would imagine. Hence, there's absolutely no salaciousness, no untoward intrusions of privacy, no "creative license". This is the story that Loretta Lynn wanted told, and by God, it got told. Needless to say, this way of making motion pictures, so uncharacteristic of the usual Hollywood method of cheapening everything for the sake of "entertainment", makes for a compulsively watchable experience. Story-wise, it's not terribly unique: it's the old rags-to-riches formula. But what rags, and what riches! The key to the movie's success is in the details: from the newspaper, serving as wallpaper, glued onto the walls of Loretta's home in the Kentucky "holler" . . . to the old pre-War washing-machine on the porch that Spacek kicks into gear while learning to play the guitar . . . to the baloney sandwiches consumed during Spacek's and Jones' journey from one radio station to the next in Tennessee . . . to the first nervous performance at the Grand Old Opry . . . to the luxuriantly appointed tour bus replete with "LORETTA LYNN" in elegant cursive writing on the side. Most impressively, Spacek does her own singing in the movie, echoing Lynn's style while avoiding overt mimicry. And Beverly D'Angelo is a revelation as Patsy Cline. A noted singer in her own right, D'Angelo arguably out-sings the real Cline in the numbers featured here. While this MIGHT be both Spacek's and D'Angelo's finest hours, it is almost CERTAINLY Tommy Lee Jones' finest hour. He plays Lynn's husband "Doo" with not only utter conviction, but with complete familiarity, as well. All in all, *Coal Miner's Daughter* remains the gold standard in the biopic genre.
  
  
• Excellent Movie Biography
  By A2AOZQ3WTNVVOK on 2004-01-28
  Some movies are so excellent that words are insufficient to describe that excellence. Such is the case with "Coal Miner's Daughter," a movie that relies on an effectively told story of Loretta Lynn to carry the film rather than flashy special effects and action. The script is brought to life by the incredible talents of the actors, most especially Sissy Spacek, in one of the best performances of her career.

  "Coal Miner's Daughter" spans the era from the late 1940s to the early 70s, focusing principally on Loretta Lynn from age 13 to her rise to fame as the best-selling female country artist. It's easy to look at Loretta's early life as an artifact of some ancient time, but in fact Loretta's life and the life of her family was quite typical in some rural areas in The United States in that era, and many of us are the children or grandchildren of similar families. This movie is thus not only the story Loretta Lynn, but is also the story of many Americans.

  Sissy Spacek sang all the songs for the movie, which is available on CD. Sissy received an Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Loretta Lynn, the only Oscar awarded to the film of the seven nominations. Sissy sounds so incredibly like Loretta Lynn that sometimes I find it difficult to know whether a Loretta Lynn CD or the movie soundtrack is playing. Sissy's phenomenal acting talent made her Loretta Lynn.

  Sissy was well supported in her role by other excellent talents. The multi-talented Tommy Lee Jones played the part of Loretta's philandering husband Mooney Dolittle. Tommy Lee played the role very well within the limits of the screenplay. My only complaint is that I felt that Mooney was portrayed in a much milder way than his actual personality. I believe most viewers will perceive traits in Tommy Lee's character that are indications of the real Mooney.

  Beverly D'Angelo is outstanding as brash and outgoing Patsy Cline, for a time Loretta's idol, best friend and mentor in the country music world. Patsy had a lot of influence on how naïve Loretta perceived the world and how she reacted to things. Beverly sang Patsy's songs and matched Sissy in the quality of her performance.

  Also appearing in this movie were Levon Helm and Phyllis Boyens as Loretta's parents. I read that Loretta was shocked by the appearance of Levon Helm in his makeup and clothes because he looked so much like her father. This couple in role could have easily been the models for the picture "American Gothic." Another appearance worthy of note was that of Earnest Tubb as himself.

  Loretta Lynn's story is such a grand story because she exemplifies the dream we all have of making our way in the world. Loretta's father was, as the title suggests, a coal miner. Coal mining is a difficult, dirty job with a lot of risk. During the time of Loretta's youth coal miners would typically get their paycheck and then go to the company store to buy food and pay their debt. In many ways working for a mine in those times was nearly like slavery or indentured servitude. Mooney and Loretta escape by first traveling to the west coast, and ultimately by capitalizing on Loretta's abilities as a singer and songwriter. Ultimately Loretta became a multi-millionaire with a wide range of business interests. This movie presents a rags-to-riches story to inspire us all.
  
  

• Good biography of Loretta Lynn
  By A2QRB6L1MCJ53G on 2000-07-27
  My aunt and cousin were watching "The Coal Miner's Daughter" and I wasn't really wanting to watch it. There wasn't anything else to do, so I watched it. It was actually a pretty good movie. It tells the biography of Loretta Lynn all the way from how she struggled becoming a mother at the age of 14 all the way to when she forgot the lyrics on stage one night. It also has everything in between such as her becoming friends with Patsy Cline and how she achieved superstardom and became the queen of country music.

  Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones put on great performances as do the others in the movie. Sissy Spacek sings all the songs herself and does a great job as Loretta Lynn. If you like biographical movies, you need to see "The Coal Miner's Daughter."
  
  

• Stands alone
  By AENS008HCBVC5 on 2003-03-20
  As far as musical biographies are concern, coal miner's daughter stands alone. It is about the life and career of country legend Loretta Lynn, based on the autobiography of the same name. The music is fantasic, Sissy Spacek did her own singing and look and sounded amazingly like Loretta Lynn. Some say The Buddy Holly Story is just as good. It is also a fantastic movie with great music. But, unlike Sissy Spacek, Gary Busey is not doing his own singing. The movie mainly concentrates on Buddy Holly's career. Coal Miner's Daughter accurately portrays Loretta Lynn's early impoverished life in Butcher Holler, Kentucky. The movie is a good ethnographic portrayal of life in Applachia. Plus the movie does a good job in portraying the world of country music and life on the road. Coal Miner's Daughter is a great story of a person who was married at age 13 and had for kids by age 20 and ended up being one of the major country music and entertainment figure throughout the world.
  
  
• One of the bests
  By A174L6S7RSOVMN on 2006-03-28
  I'm from TN about an hour from the Appalachian mountains and not to be stereotypical, but I love this movie. It's funny and sad. I laugh and cry several times. The acting is so good.The actors make the Kentucky accents so believable, not hokey like the Beverly Hillbillies. The music is also fantastic. Sissy Spacek does Loretta Lynn justice. This movie is good for Loretta fans and even those that aren't. I guarantee that after watching this film, everyone will be a fan. It is also very accurate. Loretta Lynn herself has said that she can't watch the movie because it's so true to the way that it actually happened. The movie showcases such historic places such as the Ryman and Earnest Tubb's record store. I cannot stop raving about this movie. It's a must see!
  
  
• Five stars PLUS!
  By A2E7E9EWADK4S6 on 2000-04-28
  I went out and bought this movie because I enjoyed it so much. And more recently, I found and read Loretta's biography because I loved the movie so much. The movie is surprisingly true to the book.

  I love Loretta's story because she was a real underdog. Raised in abject poverty in the Kentucky Mountains, she rises above it all, bit by bit, with her husband's love and support.

  Doolittle (husband) bought her a guitar one year because he told her, "I like the way you sing." I've heard that the best marriages are ones where the spouse is our number one cheerleader and that's what Doolittle Lynn did for Loretta. He cheered her on. He supported her, loved her and believed in her.

  The movie also touches on his shortcomings, but in the book, Loretta makes it clear that the good he did outweighed the bad and their marriage and relationship can not possibly be judged by anyone outside of the relationship.

  Loretta is a strong woman - even as a 14 year old she speaks her mind and isn't afraid of much.

  What do I love about this movie? It shows the infinite possibilities of life and that any obstacle can be overcome through persistence.

  The acting by Spacek, Jones, D'Angelo, Helm and the entire cast is superior. The characters are very real - not Hollywood mock-ups, but real people.

  It is probably one of my top three favorite movies of all time. It is a treasure.
  
  

• Stellar performances from all.
  By A2UI2GW70Q8EXA on 2000-11-02
  This movie was wonderful from all aspects. Not only did it tell the story of one of Country Music's greatest stars, but it did it honestly. Sissy Spacek and Tommy Jee Jones were perfectly casted in this movie as Loretta and her husband Doolittle. Beverly D'Angelo was good as Patsy Cline as well. It was refreshing that she and Sissy sang their own songs on this film, and that there weren't dubbed over voices. Sissy Spacek is one of the best actresses to come along in my lifetime and certainly Coal Miner's Daughter was one of her finest performances. A must have for any serious film collector.
  
  
• well-told story, glossed over marriage
  By A30AO422P01XK0 on 2001-02-18
  strong points: a movie worth watching, powerfully told story, but...

  weak points: i think the scenes they chose to portray at the end about loretta and her husband had too much of a "hollywood-everybody's-happy-and-let's-all-hold-hands-and-be-best-friends" feel. something led me to question whether or not loretta and her husband really ever had matured to the point of being able to have a healthy, stable relationship. as long as loretta was seeking the fame, i think it would come at the expense of such a relationship, and while the movie did suggest that she was willing to forgo some fame and be more emotionally honest...i'm still left questioning if it was reality...or just a figment of hollywood... (i bet the latter.)

  that said, still a powerful movie!
  
  

• I didn't want to like it, but danged if I didn't.
  By A9KMBXZD25S9F on 2003-05-20
  I was about 13, my friend asked if i wanted to go and see a drive in movie, his parents were taking him, a movie i thought, coool. I still remember we had to lay under a blanket and appear younger for a discount. But as for the movie, when i saw the title. as a teen, i was just oh god, my parents country fantasies all wrapped up on film. But By the end of this movie, i must say, i found a true classic. I don't want to give story details, for those are best left untold, and seen for yourselves. But Please do watch, i think this is a film well worth seeing.
  
  
• Sissy Shines as The Coal Miner's Daughter
  By A1RRPBF14VTAUE on 2003-08-01
  At long last, "Coal Miner's Daughter" has come to DVD. This biopic tells the tale of country music legend Loretta Lynn, spanning her early years of poverty in Butcher Holler, Kentucky through her steady rise to fame and fortune to become the queen of country music. The film details the highs and lows of that journey with both heartfelt humor and pathos and contains incredible performances from the entire cast.

  One need not be a fan of Loretta or country music to enjoy this film. Director Michael Apted has crafted a movie of depth, detail and emotion, especially in the early scenes which depict Loretta's early years growing up dirt poor in the Appalachian mountains. Apted's attention to detail allows the viewer to really understand what it was like to grow up in such an impoverished environment. Apted obviously respected the material he was working with and does it justice.

  Sissy Spacek, as Loretta, is simply superb. Earning a well deserved Oscar for this performance, she is never less than captivating. Starting out as a shy, naive 14 year old, then slowly building confidence and self-awareness, to emotionally crumbling under pressures to great for her to handle, Sissy is completely believable in all stages of Lynn's life. On top of it all, Sissy does her own singing in the film! This is one talented woman. Tommy Lee Jones is equally compeling as Mooney, Lynn's husband, who's confidence in his young bride started it all. Jones does a great job displaying Mooney's determination, frustrations and insecurities. Also of note is Beverly D'Angelo's performance as Patsy Cline. Although she has very little screen time in the film, her impact in the overall film is undeniable. She too gives a pitch perfect performance and does all her own singing as well. Alas both Jones and D'Angelo were overlooked when the Oscar nominations were announced that year. (They were both robbed!!) These three powerhouse performances are backed up with an equally strong supporting cast, including Levon Helms and Phyllis Boyens (both of whom where not actors by trade) as Loretta's parents.

  The DVD provides extras such as a commentary track with Apted and Spacek (not the best commentary track I've heard but worth a listen if you like that sort of thing), interviews with both Tommy Lee Jones and Loretta Lynn (worth a peek) and a totally useless clip of President Bush (Sr. that is) saluting the AFI. He mentions the title of Coal Miner's Daughter once in his speech. That warranted it's inclusion in the DVD!!?? Alas there are no deleted scenes or "making of" documentaries which I enjoy watching but I don't want to sound like "a big ol' bear a growlin" so I won't complain.
  
  

• Commentary track is excellent!
  By A1T6R772Q80FW7 on 2004-08-25
  Hardly anyone has mentioned the audio commentary on the DVD with Sissy Spacek and director Michael Apted. It's actually one of the best commentaries I've heard on a movie DVD! Spacek and Apted chat non-stop about the making of the movie, Loretta Lynn, and more. It's fun hearing Sissy gush "Look at that lamp!" when she's watching a scene, or hearing both of them express their admiration for the other players. The commentary track alone makes this a DVD worth having.
  
  
• excellent, intelligent and very engaging....
  By ADS5APY1NKTL4 on 2005-03-19
  "Coal Miner's Daughter" is one of those films that transcends musical tastes, cultures and social classes to touch all viewer's hearts. Even I, someone who was not previously familiar with the "first lady of Country Music" (the great Loretta Lynn), and certainly not a huge country music fan, found myself entertained, engaged and moved by this inspiring and affirmative film.
  
  The story starts in Kentucky, as thirteen year old Loretta (masterfully played by Sissy Spacek, who went on to win an Academy Award for her role), one of eight children and the daughter of a dirt poor coal miner, is helping to raise her siblings and just survive in her impoverished surroundings. It is then that she meets "Doo" (Tommy Lee Jones), a man ten years her senior, who has returned from his military service, and they promptly fall in love. They end up getting married shortly after one month's time. It is "Doo" who first recognizes her singing talents, as she sings to the first of their four children, buys her a guitar and pushes her into singing professionally. Of course, this is only the beginning of a greatly successful performing career. Loretta took her experiences with her husband, as well as her humble beginnings in Kentucky, and set them to music in her numerous songs. Through the power of these songs, she always remained close to her roots, and, with her music touched many, who either related her songs or were simply touched by the honesty of her lyrics.
  
  This film worked for me on so many levels. I appreciated the respect paid to Loretta, througout the movie, and that it wasn't at all exploitative. Though, she had her share of ups and downs, we see her struggle with great dignity (e.g; her husband's philandering, her breakdown on stage). The acting was marvelous. Tommy Lee Jones' and Sissy Spacek's on-screen chemistry as a couple was, both, believeable and honest. Also, I thought it was wonderful how Sissy Spacek did all of her own singing! If you ever hear some of Loretta's actual recordings, you would have a hard time telling the two women apart. She captured the tone and style beautifully and convincingly. As did Beverly D'Angelo (as Patsy Cline), a great inspiration to Loretta, who was her friend and confidante, on and off stage.
  
  This is a great film that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and generations. It is truly a great glimpse into the life of a wonderful and inspiring performer, who came from modest means, went on to become one of the greatest country singers, and still maintained a strong sense of self that came through the gift of personal struggle and adversity.
  I give this an A+ all the way.
  
  
  
  
• Best country biopic ever
  By on 1999-05-17
  Based upon Loretta Lynn's fascinating autobiography, this film features an outstanding cast and excellent script. Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones are superb, and Beverly D'Angelo nearly steals the show with her portryal of the legendary Patsy Cline. An added treat is rocker Levon Helm (of the Band) as Loretta's father, Ted Webb. Even Loretta Lynn loved this film, and had great praise for Spacek's performance. One need not be a fan of country music to enjoy this superb film.
  
  
• the best movie ever made!
  By on 2001-03-26
  This is my favorite movie because it captures the essence of Loretta Lynn. Sissy Spacek was awesome.
  
  
• GREAT MOVIE! TERRIBLE DVD!
  By A42PI7XHXX5JR on 2003-05-20
  Coal Miner's Daughter is my favorite movie of all time. I was so thrilled to finally see it coming out on DVD. However I was very dissapointed to see that it was not in Dolby surround sound. Also, every time I stop the movie and turn off my DVD player, when I turn it on again, it will only play with the commentary turned on, and with some foreign language CC turned on! I have to actually eject the DVD, and turn off the player and turn it back on to get it back to normal. Using the Language option on the menu doesn't work. Including deleted scenes would have been great too! ...
  
  
• Loretta Lynn's Unforgetable Story
  By A2K49B8SYX3YI5 on 2003-10-05
  This dvd reminds you why we all love Loretta Lynn. It is the extraordinary story of an individual who went from rags to riches and never forgot her roots. The screen version of Loretta Lynn comes to life with Sissy's portrayal. She makes you forget it is a movie and instead you feel like you are just spending some time with Loretta Lynn. This movie is a part of the tapestry of Country Music, and it is a vibrant thread. One of Tonmmy Lee Jones' first big movies, and he shines in it. Extras include an excellent interview with the first lady of country music Loretta Lynn. This is a must have for any true country fan.
  
  
• There's no salt in a chocolate pie!
  By A2NMXYVQYTWMLD on 2004-04-01
  After having watched Sweet Dreams, I became curious about watching Coal Miner's Daughter because I love both Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline. Well, it came on telivision and my Dad taped it for me. It quickly became a new favorite. Some parts are scary like when Loretta and her boyfriend almost fell off the cliff. Some parts are sad like when Patsy Cline died. But I really get a big laugh out of Loretta substituting salt for sugar in her chocolate pie.
  
  
• Coal Miner's Daughter
  By A35NTL13BG88G0 on 2005-09-01
  I purchased this for my eighty four old aunt. She is delighted with it.
  
  
  
• It's a good movie
  By A1KDGSZEJXSE9S on 2005-10-22
  Like others have said, it truly doesn't matter if you like
  country music or not. And I dislike 99.99999% of it. However,
  this is a good movie of a poor southern girl growing up
  and trying to achieve her dream and does it.
  
  She goes from a shy girl, to abit of a rebel,(her parents
  don't approve of Dolittle)a nd finally becomes a woman
  and reaches her dream of meeting Patsy Cline and becoming
  a big music star. Things head downhill abit... Her and
  Dolittlestart to have problems and Patsy Cline passes away
  due to a terrible plane crash.. On top of all that, the
  tough and grinding touring starts to wear on Lynn and she breaks down.
  
  Never really a dull time in the entire movie. The acting and
  emotion keep you into the movie and you actually can care
  about all the characters. Including the tough minded daddy
  that is strict on Lynn as a young girl.
  
  Don't diss the movie because it involves a country singer. If
  you enjoy the rags to riches movie this is for you!
  
  
• Coal, Country, Conflct = Classic
  By A20WXJH59BGVXJ on 2006-06-22
  My mother hails from the Tennessee Smokey Mountain region, not at all unlike Loretta's Kentucky. Admittedly, her parents came from a certain level of wealth, so she is not a "coal miner's daughter" but she does, to this day, exemplify the quiet dignity of a woman who's life has been marked by beautiful vistas combined with hardship. Prior to her entering high school, the wealth of the family farm was ultimately lost, causing a move to Memphis, where things really got rough. Not dirt paths instead of paved roads rough, but rough nonetheless. Moreover, though long since lost to the west coast of California, her accent and values remain strong.
  
  From my youngest memories, I saw a significant amount of her in Loretta Lynn (after all, both cooked with Crisco!). When an opportunity to see Ms. Lynn at a county fair show came along in shortly before this movie's release in the late 70's, I made it a point to be there. There's nothing like a country concert in the rain at a county fair. Sitting amongst all the big buckled men & high-haired ladies (none under umbrellas) Loretta and band kept all spirits above the rain as it fell just after she took the stage. How appropriate that a scene like this exists in this film.
  
  Further, there is nothing quite like an actor who braves, and succeeds, in actually vocalizing a role, instead of cheating chance by lip-synching (ala Jamie Foxx in "Ray" or Jessica Lange in "Sweet Dreams"). Even Beverly D'Angelo, who even won the praise of Patsy Cline's producer, Owen Bradley, for her perfect interpretation of Cline's classics (let alone, rehearsing on the bus). What a shame that Hollywood felt the need to cast Jessica Lange over Miss D'Angelo in the aforementioned "Sweet Dreams." Oscar voters should have to consider that the actual voice of the actor is PART of the art of acting.
  
  Tommy Lee Jones is perfectly cast as Lynn's adoring, abusive, die-hard, hard-living husband "Doo," in spite of the fact that her real husband was not tall - he was still towering, brutish, intimidating. He should have been recognized with at least nominations. Also worthy of note are Levon Helm (his acting debut) and Phyllis Boyens as Loretta's parents.
  
  This film is a perfect "re-imagining" of a woman's life & career that continues to overcome, persevere, and succeed. Great plus in the 25th anniversary edition is actual interviews with Ms. Lynn. And this from one who is NOT a big fan of Country music.
  
  
• The Original Country Western Superstar
  By A2XRZV63X79YSJ on 2006-09-04
  Coal Miner's Daughter is the story of Loretta Lynn from the age of 14 to her rise to Country Western star to her breakdown to her return to performing.
  
  Doolittle Lynn has just gotten out of the Army and is hustling to make a living. When he returns to Butcher Holler, he sees the 14 year old Loretta and decides that she is going to be his wife. After a short courtship they are married but working in the mines is not what Doo wants to do. He leaves a pregnant Loretta to pursue better opportunities out west.
  
  Doo raises enough money to bring Loretta and their daughter out to him. Over the next few years they have three more kids. Loretta is busy raising her family but Doo wants more and sees her talent for singing. He drags her out to a local bar and she finds out that she likes to perform. Next he has her record a single.
  
  They go out on the road to promote the song and this is where Loretta blooms. She finds out that she has a natural charm that everyone likes and the song becomes a hit. Her star rises and Patsy Cline takes notice and has Loretta join her on the road.
  
  Loretta thrives on the road but Doo doesn't like being second fiddle. He and Loretta decide that he should go home, find what will make him fulfilled, and raise the family.
  
  Loretta becomes a superstar but the road eventually has its toll on Loretta and one night she collapses. But this gives Loretta and Doo time to reconnect with each other. After her rest, Loretta comes back even stronger.
  
  This film was an early success for Sissy and Tommy Lee but when awards time around only Sissy was recognized for her stunning performance but Jones' performance slipped through the cracks as did a great supporting turn by another up and comer Beverly D'Angelo as Patsy Cline.
  
  This is a great film biography of a truly amazing perfomer.
  
  DVD EXTRAS:
  Commentary by Sissy Spacek and director Michael Apted
  
  Tommy Lee Jones Remembers CMD - This is an interview with Jones and Michael Apted.
  
  Loretta Lynn and Michael Apted Interview - This was made for the DVD and shows Loretta's personality as she explains the process of casting Sissy and making the film.
  
  George Bush sr. Salutes CMD at AFI - This is really a waste of space as he really doesn't talk about the film that much - just rewatch the Loretta Lynn interview!
  
  
  
• Excellent Movie Biography
  By A2AOZQ3WTNVVOK on 2006-09-10
  Some movies are so excellent that words are insufficient. Such is the case with "Coal Miner's Daughter," a movie that relies on an effectively told story of Loretta Lynn to carry the film rather than flashy special effects and action. The script is brought to life by the incredible talents of the actors, most especially Sissy Spacek, in one of the best performances of her career.
  
  "Coal Miner's Daughter" spans the era from the late 1940s to the early 70s, focusing principally on Loretta Lynn from age 13 to her rise to fame as the best-selling female country artist. It's easy to look at Loretta's early life as an artifact of some ancient time, but in fact Loretta's life and the life of her family was quite typical in some rural areas in The United States in that era, and many of us are the children or grandchildren of similar families. This movie is thus not only the story Loretta Lynn, but is also the story of many Americans.
  
  Sissy Spacek sang all the songs for the movie, which is available on CD. Sissy received an Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Loretta Lynn, the only Oscar awarded to the film of the seven nominations. Sissy sounds so incredibly like Loretta Lynn that sometimes I find it difficult to know whether a Loretta Lynn CD or the movie soundtrack is playing. Sissy's phenomenal acting talent made her Loretta Lynn.
  
  Sissy was well supported in her role by other excellent talents. The multi-talented Tommy Lee Jones played the part of Loretta's philandering husband Mooney Dolittle. Tommy Lee played the role very well within the limits of the screenplay. My only complaint is that I felt that Mooney was portrayed in a much milder way than his actual personality. I believe most viewers will perceive traits in Tommy Lee's character that are hints of the real Mooney.
  
  Beverly D'Angelo is outstanding as brash and outgoing Patsy Cline, for a time Loretta's idol, best friend and mentor in the country music world. Patsy had a lot of influence on how naive Loretta perceived the world and how she reacted to things. Beverly sang Patsy's songs and matched Sissy in the quality of her performance.
  
  Also appearing in this movie were Levon Helm and Phyllis Boyens as Loretta's parents. I read that Loretta was shocked by the appearance of Levon Helm in his makeup and clothes because he looked so much like her father. This couple in role could have easily been the models for the picture "American Gothic." Another appearance worthy of note was that of Earnest Tubb as himself.
  
  Loretta Lynn's story is a grand story because she exemplifies the dream we all have of making our way in the world. Loretta's father was, as the title suggests, a coal miner. Coal mining is a difficult, dirty job with a lot of risk. During the time of Loretta's youth coal miners would typically get their paycheck and then go to the company store to buy food and pay their debt. In many ways working for a mine in those times was nearly like slavery or indentured servitude. Mooney and Loretta escape by first traveling to the west coast, and ultimately by capitalizing on Loretta's abilities as a singer and songwriter. Loretta became a multi-millionaire with a wide range of business interests. This movie presents a rags-to-riches story to inspire us all.
  
  
  
• I bought this for my mother!
  By on 2000-02-02
  She loved this movie! It is amazing how well the actors and actresses did in this! I really like this movie! It is a great investment, please believe me!
  
  
• Very Uplifting
  By A9Q28YTLYREO7 on 2000-04-08
  Sissy Spacek was Incredible as Loretta Lynn.&Tommy Lee Jones was also very convincing.Beverly D'angelo was also very solid in this film.To Bad Todays Country Artists Aren't Made to watch Real COuntry Music being Made&done.cuz the music now is so Watered down.Loretta Lynn&Patsy Cline are Pioneers of Country Music.You Respect their Battle&Success even more after Viewing this film.
  
  

• Sweet Dreams
• Urban Cowboy
• Coal Miner's Daughter
• The Buddy Holly Story
• Walk the Line (Widescreen Edition)