Watch The Last Mountain

The Last Mountain is a documentary film from 2011 that focuses on the environmental impact of mountaintop removal mining in the Appalachian Mountains. It highlights the struggle of a group of West Virginia residents who are fighting against the coal industry and its practices, with the aim of preserving the natural beauty of their state.

At the center of the film is Coal River Mountain, a site that is under threat from the coal companies. This mountain is an important part of the local ecosystem and provides a significant source of fresh water for the surrounding communities. However, the coal companies are planning to carry out mountaintop removal mining on the site, which would involve stripping away the top of the mountain and extracting the coal beneath it.

The film explores the devastating effects that mountaintop removal can have on the environment, as well as the impact it can have on the health and wellbeing of the people living in the area. The process involves using explosives to blast away the top of the mountain, which can release harmful toxins into the air and water. This can lead to respiratory problems, cancer, and other health issues for the people living nearby.

The Last Mountain also focuses on the political and economic factors driving the coal industry in Appalachia. It delves into the close relationships between the coal companies and the politicians who are meant to regulate them, highlighting the corruption and conflicts of interest that arise as a result.

The documentary follows a group of activists and community members who are fighting back against the coal industry. They use legal and political means to try and halt the mountaintop removal mining, and raise awareness among the broader public about the environmental and social consequences of the industry.

The Last Mountain features interviews with a range of people involved in the battle over mountaintop removal, including local residents, scientists, activists, and politicians. These voices offer a nuanced and complex perspective on the issues at hand, highlighting the human stories behind the struggle for environmental preservation.

Throughout the film, Coal River Mountain serves as a symbol of both the natural beauty and the fragility of the region. The Last Mountain shows how the fight to protect this mountain is part of a larger struggle to defend the rights of communities and the health of our planet.

Overall, The Last Mountain is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on an important environmental issue. It offers a compelling look at the human stories behind the fight against mountaintop removal, and the complex political and economic factors shaping the debate. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in environmental justice and the impacts of human activity on the natural world.

The Last Mountain is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 62.