These days, with bands such as The Killers, Interpol, and She Wants Revenge citing or reflecting them sonically or lyrically, it seems fitting that a documentary has come along about Joy Division, as well. Joy Division is an influential band of the brief post-punk period who (in The Couch's experience) many people seem to know of, but very few have actually heard. This documentary follows the rise of the band amidst the Dickensian squalor
of mid 70s Manchester, UK and the rise of punk, to the suicide of increasingly troubled frontman/lyricist Ian Curtis in May 1980.

In a resurrective spirit; however, the film frames the story of the band with the transformation of its birth city, Manchester, which rose out of poverty, to become amodern city known for the arts and its music legacy. Indeed, the remnants of Joy Division would become New Order,internationally one of the most succesful groups of the 80sand 90s (Think songs like "Blue Monday" or "Bizarre LoveTriangle").

The Couch highly recommends this documentary for two prime reasons. 1) The tale of Joy Division is related through interviews with the band members: Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris (including some recordings of Ian Curtis), promoter Tony Wilson, and contemporaries such as Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks, among others. This gives everything a much more intimate feel. 2) Those unfamiliar with Joy Division's music will be introduced to plenty of their material, presented via performances on UK music programs and filmed bootlegs. The music is not for everyone, but it is some of the most sonically unique music out there.

- The Couch