Of Time and the City (2008)

The review calls the film an enthralling, poetic docu-essay, while noting its caustic streak. It singles out the distinctive mix of music and literary voices.

The critic calls it a poignant, beautiful and entrancing film, praising Davies’ personal yet universal portrait of Liverpool. The review singles out the carefully chosen archive footage, varied soundtrack and narration.

Bradshaw calls the film sublime and a welcome comeback for Davies. He especially praises the rapturous, often brilliantly wrong juxtapositions of archival images, music and narration.

The critic gives the film a strongly positive verdict. The film’s lyrical, personal treatment of Liverpool’s past is singled out for praise.

Crawford finds the film intoxicating and deeply personal, praising Davies’s poetic, seductive voice and intelligence. He notes that the Korean War montage’s sentimental song choice is a rare misstep.

Turan finds the film a distinct pleasure, despite moments when Davies’s anger feels grating and overwrought. He especially praises Davies’s eye for evocative archival footage and his skillful pairing of images with music.

Tobias describes the film as a caustic, witty, regretful elegy that offers a distinctive portrait of Liverpool. He praises Davies’ personal perspective and narration, while noting that the sterile digital photography breaks the spell.

The critic offers an affectionate, amused and sometimes angry portrait of Davies’s Liverpool. They praise the deft use of archival footage, witty commentary, literary quotations and apt music.

Croce finds the film emotionally powerful, though its mix of rue, anger, and elation only occasionally becomes rhapsodic. He praises its layered archival images and melodic passages, which make the vanished world of Davies’s childhood feel vividly present.

The critic finds the documentary a poignant celebration and mourning of Liverpool. They praise how Davies’s voice-over and musical selections animate archival footage through inventive montage.

Felperin finds the film moving, droll and charming, though not especially profound and sometimes short on insight about Liverpool itself. She praises its polished editing, musical choices, Davies’s narration and especially its archival research.

Kermode finds the film beautifully made and haunting, but ultimately dislikes its sour, cynical tone. She especially praises the archive footage and moments when music and images combine without Davies’s narration.