Watch Murder of Couriers

Murder of Couriers is a 2012 documentary film directed by first-time directors Scott Ramsay and Corey Lee. The film takes you on a journey of the history of courier services and follows two bike couriers from their pick-up to deliveries over the course of several days in Vancouver, Canada. The film dives deep into the daily life of a bike courier, exploring the emotional and physical tolls that come with the job. We meet Rob and Curtis, both in their late twenties, who are passionate about their work as bike messengers. They both work for Zip Courier, a delivery company that caters to the downtown Vancouver area. We see how they maneuver through traffic, interact with clients, and deal with the stress of meeting tight deadlines.

What sets Murder of Couriers aside from other documentaries is that it's not just about the job, but also the history and evolution of courier services. The film delves into the evolution of courier services, starting with the origins of the Pony Express and the use of homing pigeons. It then explores the rise of the bicycle courier culture in the 1980s and how it evolved with the introduction of motorized vehicles. The directors interviews several couriers who provide insights into this fascinating subculture.

The film also delves into the environmental impact of courier services, highlighting the efforts that some bike couriers make to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition to their primary message of eco-friendliness, bike couriers can be the most reliable way to deliver items in congested areas or during events with heavy traffic.

The film features a number of interviews with notable figures in the courier service industry, including Rob and Curtis’ boss, Garry. Garry, who has been in the business for over 30 years, shares some interesting stories about his experiences as a courier. The film also features interviews with the founders of the Vancouver-based company, Zip Courier, which is where Rob and Curtis work.

The movie's title, Murder of Couriers, has an interesting backstory. In 2008, a group of bike couriers from Toronto started an alley-cat race called, “Murder of Couriers.” The race is held in different cities across Canada each year and the winner gets to host the next race in their city. The directors of Murder of Couriers attended the 2010 edition of the race in Vancouver and decided to name their film after it.

In terms of cinematography and editing, the film uses exceptional camera work, with an aesthetic that matches the style of underground documentaries. The directors beautifully capture the activities of Rob, Curtis, and other bike couriers on Vancouver’s city streets, using a combination of stationary and moving shots that capture the raw energy and action. The music used in the film is also spot-on, adding to the ambiance and setting the tone of the movie perfectly.

Overall, Murder of Couriers is a beautiful and inspiring documentary that takes us on a journey into the world of bike couriers, providing insight into what drives them to do what they do. It is a film that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of courier services, bicycle culture, environmental issues or, simply, what life is like as a courier. It is a unique film that shines a light on a subculture that so many people are completely unaware of. It is highly recommended for anyone looking for a good documentary that is both informative and entertaining.

Murder of Couriers is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.