In the coal forest region of West Virginia, coal mining is the center of life for all local people. Horner's father, John Hickman (Chris Cooper), has worked his way up to become a foreman, establishing his place and prestige locally. John likes coal mines because that's why the whole area exists. If no one found coal mines there, there would be no place called "coal forest". He's a central figure in the area, and he wants Horner (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his brother Jim to take over. But Jim won a football scholarship to continue his studies at school, and Horner had his own plans. He wanted to come out. He wants to get out of the "coal forest" to pursue his ideals, he wants to be a scientist, but his father doesn't understand. So they keep contradicting. Horner grew up under these conditions, experiencing the anger of his father, the love of his lover, the hatred of his brother, and the love of his friend.
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