Bridges that Built London is a compelling documentary movie from 2012, presented by architectural historian and broadcaster Dan Cruickshank. The documentary explores the history and engineering behind some of London's most iconic bridges, revealing how they changed the face of the city and became an integral part of its culture. The movie opens with a stunning aerial view of the Thames, showcasing the array of bridges that span the river. Dan Cruickshank sets the scene by introducing the importance of bridges throughout history, from their origins as simple logs spanning streams to the grand structures that we recognize today. The documentary then focuses on London and the bridges that have been built there over the centuries, each with its own unique story.
The first bridge that we learn about is London Bridge. The documentary highlights how the original London Bridge was built by the Romans and how it evolved over the centuries. Dan Cruickshank explains the significance of the bridge to London's growth as a city and how it has become a symbol of London around the world.
As the documentary progresses, we are introduced to other bridges that span the Thames, including the iconic Tower Bridge. The documentary not only looks at the engineering behind these impressive structures but also delves into the cultural significance of the bridges. We are introduced to Gustav Milne, a historian who has spent his career studying the history of the Thames. Gustav explains how the bridges have been central to some of London's most memorable moments, from royal pageants to political protests.
Throughout the documentary, we are treated to stunning visuals of the bridges, both from the air and close-up. The documentary goes behind the scenes to show us the inner workings of the bridges, including the cogs and wheels that lift Tower Bridge, one of London's most recognizable landmarks.
The movie doesn't shy away from highlighting some of the darker moments in the bridges' histories. We hear about the tragic collapse of the original London Bridge in the 19th century, the devastating impact of World War II on the bridges, and the controversy surrounding the construction of newer bridges in more recent times. The documentary also explores the impact of the bridges on London's environment, including how the Thames has become one of the cleanest metropolitan rivers in the world.
The documentary ends with a tribute to the engineers and workers who built the bridges, highlighting how their vision and creativity have shaped the city that we know today. We are introduced to Nicholas Bateman, a current-day engineer who works on maintaining the bridges, ensuring their continued use for centuries to come.
In conclusion, Bridges that Built London is an informative and visually stunning documentary that explores the history and culture of some of London's most iconic landmarks. Dan Cruickshank, Gustav Milne, and Nicholas Bateman all bring their unique insights and perspectives to the story, offering a fascinating deep dive into the engineering and cultural importance of these bridges. Whether you are a fan of architecture, engineering, or just love a good story, Bridges that Built London is a must-watch documentary.
Bridges that Built London is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.
