Watch The Beatles - Long and Winding Road

The Beatles - Long and Winding Road is a gripping documentary film chronicling the life of one of the most iconic music groups of all time, The Beatles. The film details their journey to stardom and beyond, showcasing their highs and lows, and giving an intimate look into their musical genius. The film starts by introducing us to the four Beatles – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr – who all came from humble beginnings in Liverpool. It takes us through their early days as a band, playing gigs in small clubs, and honing their craft. We see their first record deal, their first hit songs, and the unprecedented fever that swept across the world, elevating them to unprecedented fame.

The movie contains a treasure trove of archive footage, including rare interviews with The Beatles themselves, raw concert footage and behind-the-scenes clips from their recording sessions. Fans will be delighted to delve deeper into the recording process, as the film explores how their sound evolved over the years - from their early rock-and-roll hits to their highly experimental later works.

The movie also delves into the individual personalities of each of the Beatles. It showcases their different roles within the group, with McCartney's perfectionism, Harrison's spiritual exploration, Lennon's avant-garde and Starr's humourous strains. The movie highlights each member's distinct energy that contributed to the overall great sound of the band.

The film moves through some of the most pivotal moments of The Beatles' career, including their infamous appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, their first world tour, and their experiences in India. The movie explores some of the challenges they faced both personally and musically, including the influence of drugs on their work and their eventual split-up in 1970.

Beyond the music, The Beatles - Long and Winding Road also lays out the cultural impact of the band. The film shows how The Beatles were at the forefront of creating an entire cultural movement, including the promotion of peace and love, and their rebellion against mainstream norms. The Beatles played an influential role in the anti-war movement, too, and their music was anthemic for peace activists worldwide.

The film concludes with the legacy that The Beatles left behind. We see how their impact on music and culture continues to this day, from their timeless songs being covered by new artists to their continued place in the hearts of fans young and old. Even in contemporary popular music, one can see hints of the influence of The Beatles.

Overall, The Beatles - Long and Winding Road is a captivating and nostalgic tribute to the fabulous foursome that took the world by storm. Through its archival footage and intimate access to the band, it revives the magic of their music, and leaves the energetic legacy of The Beatles ringing loud and clear. Fans of the band will find this a must-see account of their journey, while for those who are not quite familiar with The Beatles, it's a glimpse into one of the greatest bands that has ever existed.

The Beatles - Long and Winding Road is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes.