What John Sayles film depicts a deadly event from the mine wars?

The film that depicts a deadly event from the mine wars is "Matewan." This 1987 movie, directed by John Sayles, focuses on the 1920 Matewan Massacre, which occurred in a coal mining town in West Virginia. The narrative highlights the struggles between mine workers and coal company owners, illustrating the violent conflicts that arose during labor disputes in the early 20th century. Sayles uses historical events to portray the harsh realities of labor conditions, worker rights, and unionization efforts in the Appalachian region.

In contrast, "Coal Miner's Daughter" primarily centers on the life of country music singer Loretta Lynn and does not focus on the mine wars. "October Sky," while set in West Virginia, tells the inspirational story of a young man's pursuit of rocketry and science, with less emphasis on labor conflicts. "Modern Times" is a classic Charlie Chaplin film that critiques industrialization and labor issues, but it is not set in West Virginia nor does it address the specific historical events of the mine wars. Thus, "Matewan" is the most accurate choice as it directly relates to the significant events of the coal mining labor struggles.