Manchester has often been a captivating backdrop for filmmakers, serving as a setting that reflects both the city’s vibrant urban culture and its historical significance within the UK. Films set in or about Manchester range in genre from music documentaries to social realist dramas, illustrating various aspects of life in this Northern England city. Whether the films explore the legendary music scene, the struggles of urban life, or the deep-rooted football culture, Manchester provides a rich tapestry for storytelling.
“24 Hour Party People”, 2001
Director: Michael Winterbottom
This biographical comedy-drama directed by Michael Winterbottom follows the story of Tony Wilson, the man behind the infamous Factory Records label, which played a pivotal role in the Manchester music scene during the 1970s and 1980s, including the rise of bands like Joy Division and Happy Mondays.
Starring: Steve Coogan, Lennie James, Paddy Considine, Shirley Henderson, Andy Serkis, Sean Harris, Kate Magowan, Danny Cunningham, Simon Pegg, John Thomson;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama, comedy, biography, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“Looking for Eric”, 2009
Director: Ken Loach
Directed by Ken Loach, this comedy-drama tells the story of a down-on-his-luck Manchester postal worker and football fan who receives life coaching from the hallucination of his footballing hero, Eric Cantona, a former Manchester United star.
Starring: Steve Evets, Eric Cantona, Stephanie Bishop, Gerard Kearns, Stefan Gumbs, Lucy-Jo Hudson, Cole Williams, Dylan Williams, Matthew McNulty, Laura Ainsworth;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: fantasy, drama, comedy, sport;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Looking for Eric” on the website imdb.com
“Control”, 2007
Director: Anton Corbijn
A biographical film directed by Anton Corbijn about the life of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of the influential Manchester-based band Joy Division. The film details Curtis's rise to fame and his struggles, leading up to his tragic suicide.
Starring: Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, Alexandra Maria Lara, Joe Anderson, James Pearson, Harry Treadaway, Craig Parkinson, Toby Kebbell, Andrew Sheridan, Robert Shelly;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: biography, music, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
“Hell Is a City”, 1960
Director: Val Guest
A British film noir directed by Val Guest is set in Manchester and features a tough police inspector on the hunt for a dangerous escaped convict, highlighting both the criminal underbelly and the metropolitan backdrop of the city.
Starring: Stanley Baker, John Crawford, Donald Pleasence, Maxine Audley, Billie Whitelaw, Joseph Tomelty, George A. Cooper, Geoffrey Frederick, Vanda Godsell, Charles Houston;
Production year: 1960;
Genre: thriller, crime;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Hell Is a City” on the website imdb.com
“Awaydays”, 2009
Director: Pat Holden
Directed by Pat Holden, the film is based on the novel of the same name by Kevin Sampson and depicts the youth culture and the hooliganism associated with football in the late 1970s, alongside the post-punk music scene in the outskirts of Liverpool and nearby Manchester.
Starring: Nicky Bell, Liam Boyle, Stephen Graham, Oliver Lee, Lee Battle, Michael Ryan, Sean Ward, Anthony Borrows, David Barlow, Elliot Hughes;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, crime;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Awaydays” on the website imdb.com
“It's a Free World…”, 2007
Director: Ken Loach
Another film by Ken Loach, this drama tackles the themes of exploitation in the context of immigrant workers trying to carve out lives for themselves in Manchester.
Starring: Kierston Wareing, Juliet Ellis, Lesław Żurek, Joe Siffleet, Colin Caughlin, Maggie Russell, Raymond Mearns, Davoud Rastgou, Mahin Aminnia, Shadeh Kavousian;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “It's a Free World…” on the website imdb.com
Films about Manchester give viewers a glimpse into the unique character of the city and the people who live there, often portrayed through the lens of the city’s cultural, social, and historical context. Whether it's the electric atmosphere of the music scene, the heart and soul of social struggles, or the passionate support of football, these films capture the spirit of Manchester in diverse and compelling narratives.
In conclusion, films about Manchester have not only captured the indomitable spirit and the vibrant cultural tapestry of this iconic city but have also served as a vital medium through which its stories—sometimes gritty, other times inspiring—are shared with the world. Whether it's the raw energy of the music scene depicted in “24 Hour Party People,” the poignant social realism of “Looking for Eric,” or the visceral portrayal of working-class life in “A Taste of Honey,” these films offer a window into the heart of Manchester, celebrating its history, its people, and its enduring influence. Through the lens of cinema, Manchester's unique narrative continues to resonate, transcending regional boundaries and striking a universal chord with audiences everywhere, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling through the art of film.
