Watch The Miners' Hymns

The Miners' Hymns is a documentary film released in 2010 that explores the rich history of coal mining in England's Northeast region. The film is directed by renowned documentary filmmaker Bill Morrison and makes use of archival footage and music to tell the story of a bygone era. The film is divided into two parts, the first of which is titled "Extraction" and focuses on the harsh realities of life in the pits. The footage is taken from old mining videos and newsreels and shows the difficult and dangerous working conditions under which the miners labored. From blasting through rock to manually pick-axing through coal seams, the footage illustrates the immense physical toll of working underground. We see the miners emerging at the end of their shifts, covered in dirt and grime, and the film takes a humanizing approach that allows us to connect with the workers on an emotional level.

The second part of the movie, titled "Memory," takes a more introspective tone and focuses on the emotional toll of the industry. The footage in this segment is more personal and intimate, and the narration is more poetic. The film shows the miners' lives outside of work, their families, and the communities they built around the mines. We see the miners gathered together in churches, parades, and other community events that were the backbone of their lives outside of the mines.

Throughout the film, there is a strong emphasis on music. The title of the film itself refers to the traditional songs that were sung by miners in the pits, and this musical tradition is woven throughout the movie. Some of the most powerful segments of the film are those in which we see these songs being performed in contemporary settings by brass bands and other musical groups. These segments serve to elevate the emotions of the film beyond the mundanity of daily life in the mines, transforming the lives of the miners into something transcendent and beautiful.

One of the film's most notable strengths is its use of the archive footage. Bill Morrison is an expert in this field, and he masterfully weaves together clips and images from old news reels, vintage tourism ads, and mining documentaries. The film's visuals are stunning, and the use of old footage creates a sense of nostalgia for a world that no longer exists. The shots of the miners at work are particularly moving, and the film shows incredible attention to detail in how it matches the footage to the music and narration.

The Miners' Hymns provides a unique perspective on the coal-mining industry, a part of history that is often overlooked. The film is less concerned with the facts and figures of the industry – how much coal was extracted, how many miners were employed – and more interested in the emotional and personal lives of the workers. For this reason, the film is both intimate and universal. Although the setting is specific to Northeast England, the themes of work, tradition, and community resonate with people from all walks of life.

Overall, The Miners' Hymns is a stunning visual portrait of a lost world. Using archival footage and music, the film tells the story of coal mining in England's Northeast region in a way that is both emotional and deeply informative. Whether you are interested in labor history, musical traditions, or just great filmmaking, The Miners' Hymns is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impression.