The Devil's Miner

Name: The Devil's Miner
Genre: Documentary
Released: March 17, 2006
Duration: 82 min
Rating: 81

2006

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 12 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 5 Ratings

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8.2

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8.2	User Score Universal acclaim based on 5 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

First Run Features | Release Date: March 17, 2006

Summary: The Devil's Miner is the story of 14 year-old Basilio Vargas and his 12 year-old brother Bernardino, as they work in the Bolivian silver mines of Cerro Rico, which date back to the sixteenth century. Through the children's eyes, we encounter the world of devout Catholic miners who sever their ties with God upon entering the mountain. It isThe Devil's Miner is the story of 14 year-old Basilio Vargas and his 12 year-old brother Bernardino, as they work in the Bolivian silver mines of Cerro Rico, which date back to the sixteenth century. Through the children's eyes, we encounter the world of devout Catholic miners who sever their ties with God upon entering the mountain. It is an ancient belief that the devil, as represented by hundreds of statues constructed in the tunnels, determines that fate of all who work within the mines. (First Run Features)… Expand

Director: Kief Davidson and Richard Ladkani

Genre(s): Documentary

Runtime: 82 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Carina Chocano

15 minutes into it, you are spellbound, heartbroken and unaccountably cheered -- your faith and admiration in humanity restored. Read full review

100

Lisa Schwarzbaum

This beautiful, terrible story is not easily forgotten. Read full review

100

TV Guide Magazine Ken Fox

Basilio narrates his tale with such wit and wisdom that one comes away from the film wondering how much youthful potential is slowly being choked to death deep within the bowels of the earth. Read full review

Frank Scheck

While political and social context is kept to a minimum, the darkly poetic images they capture speak volumes about what the miners go through. Read full review

V.A. Musetto

Guaranteed to leave you outraged at the way children - and, for that matter, adults - are exploited by mining companies. Read full review

Sean Axmaker

It's a simple film with a direct message, but the glimpses of the surrounding social culture that has adapted to the horrors give this Third World "How Green Was My Valley" its identity. Read full review

Ernest Hardy

It’s the captured conversations about everyday lives and struggles that pin you to your seat. Read full review

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Mixed:

User Reviews

JamesM.

May 20, 2006

I happened to see this film by accident in a late night slot on Britain's BBC channel - its stunning and tragic - I'd implore everyone out there to watch it.

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KevinC.

Jun 1, 2006

One of the most riveting movies I've ever seen. The lives of these people were captured in a sensistive, yet mind-blowing way. The dialogue, the camera work the scenery are fantastic. If you see one movie the rest of the year make it this one . If it wasn;t true, you wouldn't believe it.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

RichardB.

Jul 27, 2006

This 14 year old is amazing. Excellent and heartbreaking movie.

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