Coal Face Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: Coal Face
| Movie | Coal Face |
| Release Year | 1935 |
| Director | Alberto Cavalcanti |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Runtime | 11 minutes (11m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Coal Face (1935) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Coal Face are led by W.H. Auden .
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Coal Face does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Documentary films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Coal Face has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Documentary fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Coal Face
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1935, Coal Face is a Documentary film directed by Alberto Cavalcanti, written by Alberto Cavalcanti. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving W.H. Auden as Commentator.
Ending Explained: Coal Face
Coal Face Ending Explained: 1935 documentary about the hard working life of Welsh coal miners. Directed by Alberto Cavalcanti, this 1935 documentary film stars W.H. Auden (Commentator), alongside Montagu Slater as Commentator. With a 6.3/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Coal Face?
1935 documentary about the hard working life of Welsh coal miners.
How Does W.H. Auden (Commentator)'s Story End?
- W.H. Auden: W.H. Auden's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Montagu Slater (Commentator): Montagu Slater's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
What Does the Ending of Coal Face Mean?
Coal Face's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving W.H. Auden may feel rushed. Alberto Cavalcanti's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Coal Face Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Coal Face Based on a True Story?
No, Coal Face is a work of fiction. While the documentary film directed by Alberto Cavalcanti and starring W.H. Auden may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Coal Face?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentaries films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of W.H. Auden or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 11 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch Coal Face Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
BFI PlayerCoal Face Parents Guide & Age Rating
1935 AdvisoryWondering about Coal Face age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Coal Face (1935) is 11 minutes (11m). Directed by Alberto Cavalcanti, the film runs for 11 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Coal Face is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1935 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coal Face worth watching?
Coal Face is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Coal Face parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Coal Face identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Coal Face (1935)?
The runtime of Coal Face (1935) is 11 minutes (approximately 0h 11m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.


