The Devil's Miner
The Devil's Miner Image
Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • 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 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

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    100
    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.
  2. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Richard M. Porton
    80
    A powerful indictment of the horrendous treatment of children who toil in hellish Bolivian silver mines. The filmmakers are better at fashioning haunting images than offering hard-nosed analysis, yet they never sentimentalize their young protagonists' plight.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Frank Scheck
    80
    While political and social context is kept to a minimum, the darkly poetic images they capture speak volumes about what the miners go through.
  4. Variety
    Reviewed by: Deborah Young
    80
    An unforgettable journey through hell under the earth, where Satan is worshipped as king. Straight-as-an-arrow filmmaking raises this docu above the crowd.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. JamesM.
    10
    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.… Expand
  2. KevinC.
    10
    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.… Expand
  3. RichardB.
    10
    This 14 year old is amazing. Excellent and heartbreaking movie.

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