I was a teenager when I have seen this film, but I do remember the details such as how many ( or how less ) paying audience was in the cinema at that time. Am I glad that more than thirty years later, I am able to see this film again. I am equally impressed with Sissy Spacek´s performance then and now still and what is also striking is that there was not a lot of boot kicking, country-singing you see in most biographies about singers rather a lot of hardship and heartbreak. A solid, quality film.

Biographical story of Loretta Lynn, a legendary country singer that came from poverty to worldwide fame. She rose from humble beginnings in Kentucky to super-stardom and changing the sound and style of country music forever.For me, if I think Sissy Spacek, I only think of "Carrie". I know she has done other things, but that is, in my opinion, her defining role. Now, that being said, Loretta Lynn probably takes a close second. I am not sure that anyone else would have been right for the part.It seems that we need more country music biopics. When they succeed, they succeed in a big way. Both this and "Walk the Line" are excellent, and I suspect there are a lot more great stories of country music pioneers. Not the polished, fake country stars we have today... but the real ones. George Jones, Hank Williams and countless others.

This true story of Loretta Lynn is a heart warmer. She came from the humblest of beginnings and rose far above her hillbilly roots. Married while still a child, she overcame abuse by her husband and developed a talent that shone brightly from Nashville. Many of her chart-busting songs were written about her personal experiences. Sissy Spacek earns a well-deserved Oscar for her brilliant portrayal of this Country Music Hall of Fame legend. Loretta hand-picked her for the role, and she looks, acts, and sings remarkably like Loretta Lynn. The two became very close friends as a result of this movie. They even performed on the Grand Ole Opry together! Her story has been an inspiration for millions of women whose husbands were philanderers. Tommy Lee Jones is extremely convincing as Dolittle Lynn, her complex, overbearing, and domineering husband. This was possibly his finest acting performance ever. Beverly D'Angelo is delightful as Patsy Cline, who was Loretta's best friend and mentor, helping Loretta learn to cope with the perils of country music. Her confidence and charisma exudes from the screen. Beverly also did her own singing, and probably should have been given the role in "Sweet Dreams" instead of Jessica Lange. Michael Aphed captured lightning in a bottle with his insightful direction of this wonderful movie. This film is an wonderful portrayal of the honest, hard working, loving families from the coal mines. If you haven't seen this one do it as soon as possible. If you have seen it, enjoy it again!

This is one of the great American films. It has so many strengths. The father-daughter bond. The great affection and unselfishness of Lynn's husband in not just supporting her, but steadfastingly urging her to perform. The fantastic, understated but focused performances of Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones that conveys a genuine affection. The way the film depicts a strong, proud Southern culture, even in the father's funeral scene. The close friendship of Lynn with Patsy Cline is a film in itself; how, instead of seeing Lynn as a threat, Cline embraces her and encourages her to forge her own career. Finally, more than 30 years since its release, Coal Miner's Daughter stands the test of time, because it's genuinely a film with heart and soul.