The Long Day Closes

Terence Davies’ mosaic of childhood, imagination, time and memory is one of the greatest cinematic experiences.

In post-war England, 11-year-old Bud finds escape from the poverty and greyness of his surroundings, and the violence of school, through magical trips to the cinema and the warmth of his extended family. Davies evokes memories of his youth in Liverpool with an intensely expressive soundscape, including the nostalgic voices from the songs, radio and movies of the 1950s that were so beloved to him.

Expressively capturing moments of an idealised childhood that stands in contrast to everyday hardships, the film displays a mastery of light.