Watch Still The Enemy Within

Still The Enemy Within is a powerful documentary film that explores the 1984-85 miners' strike in the UK through the lenses and reflect both broader political and social issues at the time. Directed by Owen Gower, the film blends contemporary interviews with footage from the time, from both media sources and personal archives. The film features a range of voices and personal perspectives, offering a nuanced and complex take on a period that continues to shape politics in the country today.

One of the strengths of Still The Enemy Within is its focus on the grassroots organization of the miners themselves, and the ways in which the strike was a response to the Thatcher government's broader effort to break the power of the trade unions. The film's interviews with former miner and activist Norman Strike offer some of the most compelling insights into this, as he discusses both the strengths and weaknesses of the NUM's approach, and reflects on the impact that the strike had on those involved. The film is also attentive to the experiences of miners' families, and includes moving interviews with wives and children about the impact of the strike on their lives.

The film also places the miners' strike within its broader political context, exploring the ways in which it was a response to the neoliberal philosophy that was taking hold under Thatcher. From discussions of monetarism to the impact of privatisation on communities, Still The Enemy Within offers a thoughtful and critical analysis of the political and social context in which the strike took place. This is particularly important given that many of the issues that led to the strike (including the decline of traditional industries and the rise of precarious work) remain relevant today.

In addition to these broader political themes, the film also pays attention to the role of the media in shaping public opinion about the strike. Using clips from both mainstream and alternative media sources, the film explores the ways in which the media was used as a tool of government propaganda. This is one of the most intriguing and informative aspects of the film, as it offers insight into how public opinion can be manipulated through the media, and why it is so important to have alternative viewpoints.

One potential weakness of Still The Enemy Within is that it does not offer a particularly diverse range of voices. While the film includes interviews with a range of people (including women and people of color), the majority of the focus is on white working-class men. This is perhaps reflective of the fact that the miners themselves were overwhelmingly male, but it does mean that the film feels somewhat limited in its scope.

Overall, Still The Enemy Within is a powerful and important film that offers new insights into the miners' strike and its broader political and social context. By blending contemporary interviews with archival footage, the film creates a complex and nuanced picture of a period that continues to shape the UK today. The film's focus on grassroots organization, the impact of media on public opinion, and the broader socio-economic issues at play make it a vital watch for anyone interested in the politics of the UK, then and now.