Liverpool is a city where music, football and history intertwine in an amazing rhythm of life. But what about delving deeper? Documentaries offer a unique look at the true soul of Liverpool: its multifaceted culture, lively streets, football and the life stories of people who shape it. Learn more about this magical world at liverpool-trend.com, your guide to trends in the unique city.
Morning in the Streets (1959)
Morning in the Streets is a documentary film by British directors Denis Mitchell and Roy Harris, shot in 1959. It presents an atmospheric portrait of Liverpool during the era of post-war reconstruction. The film recreates the lives of ordinary city residents, their routines, moods and difficulties, conveying the spirit of the times through black-and-white shots and natural dialogues. The camera visits working-class neighbourhoods, narrow streets with playing children and their bustling homes. The soundtrack plays an important role too, emphasizing the melancholy mood and at the same time the hope for the best.
The film received high praise from critics and was awarded the Italia Prize for Best TV Documentary in 1959. Its style of focusing on the lives of ordinary people, made the film innovative for its time.
Interestingly, there is a scene with graffiti saying “Save the Rosenbergs”, referring to the infamous story of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. In 1953, they were sentenced to death for espionage in the USA, although the evidence was inconclusive.
Liverpool Story (2024), the Pool of Life
Directed by Daniel Draper, the documentary Liverpool Story offers a unique look at Liverpool in 2023. This film is not just a chronicle of events but a deep exploration of the city’s soul, its people and time. The author has previously presented similar works, such as Almost Liverpool 8. In these films, he masterfully reflects the connection between people, culture and history.
The film opens up with a quote by Henry David Thoreau, as a perfect epigraph, where Liverpool is defined as a “pool of life” with flowing time. The film explores all of the city facets and is distinguished by the fact that it doesn’t contain any clichés about The Beatles legacy or football clubs legends. The film completely abandons external stereotypes and tells the story through the eyes of local residents. Liverpool seems to be a living organism.
One of the characters compares the city to a middle-aged woman leaning on a bar counter and recalling her former beauty, while the other to a living creature that requires care. The film also draws parallels between Liverpool and neighbouring Manchester, which impresses with its large-scale new buildings but at the same time loses its authenticity. It’s a warning to Liverpool: do not let developers take your soul.
The film is not intended for tourists but for those who seek to understand the city on a deeper level, as a person living their life, longing for the past but at the same time looking forward.
Gangs of Britain (2014), a documentary about criminal Liverpool
The mysterious and well-known criminal figure of the Cornerman raises many questions and disputes. Who was he? A simple criminal or something more? The film explores the history of one of the most famous mobs in Britain, analysing its impact on the community. Interviews with former members and law enforcement experts reveal the secrets of street gangs and their dubious legacy.
The History of Liverpool (2012), from a fishing village to a megalopolis
This documentary immerses viewers in the multifaceted history of Liverpool. It has grown from a small 19th-century fishing village into one of Europe’s most important ports. The film tells viewers the story of the city’s development as an industrial centre, its struggle against poverty and social problems, offering a journey through time and a deep understanding of its ups and downs.
Football documentaries
The city is home to two world-class football clubs. In addition to Liverpool FC, there is a slightly lesser-known but also ambitious Everton FC. Still, the documentaries focus more on the city’s main club.
Liverpool FC: The 30 Years Wait (2020)
Liverpool FC have been searching for a way to get back to the top of English football for three decades. The real breakthrough came when the club was under the management of Jurgen Klopp. This documentary, filled with interviews and archive footage, follows the club’s journey through the trials and tribulations of a 30-year quest for success.
Liverpool FC – Jurgen Klopp Era (2023)
It is another documentary that focuses on Liverpool in 2015 when the club was experiencing a real renaissance. Incredible results in the Premier League and Champions League, a growing fan base and a unique team – all of this made the Klopp era a golden one.
The Fans Who Make Football: Liverpool FC (2021)
Liverpool FC is more than just a sports club. For many UK working-class families, it has become a symbol of unity and support in difficult times. The song You’ll Never Walk Alone, which sounds during every match, reminds of solidarity and hope. The documentary explores how Liverpool has become a source of inspiration and an example for millions.
The biggest game in English football? Liverpool vs Manchester United (2022)
The story of the eternal rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester is interesting not only to football fans. This documentary, presented by Robbie O’Neill, reveals how politics, fashion, music and society have influenced the rivalry between the two iconic clubs. Thanks to interviews with fans, including the legendary Moni from The Stone Roses, viewers get an in-depth and unbiased look at this epic battle.
Liverpool Music Documentaries
A review of documentaries about Liverpool would be incomplete without mentioning films about the city’s music. They aren’t just about The Beatles and their members, although, of course, the band is given special attention.
Get Back (2016)
Covering nearly six decades of musical history, the documentary shows how the city became the source of global hits and gave rise to many bands, including the world’s most famous, The Beatles. However, few people know that between 1956 and 1964, Liverpool was home to over 1,000 bands and hundreds of venues welcoming them.
At the time, the city was the UK’s largest country and western scene, which existed alongside jazz, folk and numerous skiffle bands. Toxteth became a hub for black music, fuelled by the nearby docks and US air base. This maelstrom of energy and talent gave birth to something unique that would eventually take the world by storm. The Wombats, The Zutons and The Coral are just a few examples.
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years (2016)
The documentary directed by Ron Howard explores the formation of the legendary group and its early stages. The film covers The Beatles‘ journey from performing in Liverpool clubs to large-scale concert tours in Europe and around the world. Particular attention is paid to their tireless and challenging touring schedule, as well as the admiration they aroused in fans in every corner of the planet. The film allows you to look behind the scenes, showing how young musicians coped with rapid popularity and changed the history of music.
