London – The Modern Babylon

Julien Temple’s epic time-travelling voyage to the heart of his hometown.

London – The Modern Babylon is legendary director Julien Temple’s epic time-travelling voyage to the heart of his hometown.

From musicians, writers and artists to dangerous thinkers, political radicals and above all ordinary people, this is the story of London’s immigrants and bohemians and how together they changed the city forever. Reaching back to London at the start of the 20th century, the story unfolds through film archive and the voices of Londoners past and present, powered by the popular music from across the century. It ends in 2012, as London prepares to welcome the world as it hosts the Olympics.

‘Its collage technique, humanism and sympathy for ordinary people has much in common with the vision of Britain created by Danny Boyle’s team for the opening of the Olympics…A movie to cherish.’ Philip French, The Observer

Special features

  • Audio commentary by director Julien Temple.
  • Interview with Julien Temple.
  • Original trailer.
  • Fully illustrated booklet with newly commissioned essays and comprehensive credits.

Product information

    • Certificate

      15

    • Colour

      Colour

    • Sound

      Sound

    • Running time

      128mins

    • DVD region

      • 2 Europe (except Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus), Middle East, Egypt, Japan, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Greenland, French Overseas departments and territories

    • Catalogue number

      BFIVD968

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