Oasis: Supersonic

Oasis: Supersonic, a documentary film released in 2016, provides a comprehensive, highly entertaining, and insightful look into the rise, fall, and turmoil of one of the most influential bands of the 90s--Oasis. Featuring key figures like Paul Arthurs, Christine Biller, and Mark Coyle, this film, directed by Mat Whitecross, plunges the audience into the chaotic world of Britpop band Oasis, putting an intense focus and special emphasis on the wild journey and volatile relationship of the Gallagher brothers, the unmistakable figures at the band's core.

Narratively, the film charts the formation of the band from its early days when Noel Gallagher - with lots of ambition and a handful of songs - joined his younger brother Liam's underperforming band, creating what would ultimately become one of the biggest rock outfits that Britain has ever produced. Experiencing a meteoric rise to fame, Oasis was propelled from the backrooms of Manchester pubs to the forefront of the music scene, selling out stadiums around the globe.

Supersonic is cleverly paced, blending a mix of home videos, voice-over narrations, interviews, and previously unseen footage to create a nostalgic and often comedic narrative. Furthermore, the film strives to delve deeper beyond the surface, reaching into the psyche of the brothers, their dynamic, and their constant turmoil which eventually led to the band's destructive and devastating split. The brotherly tension and recklessness, the reckless partying, and the constant headlines -- it is all explored here, giving the audience a comprehensive and up-close experience of the chaos that was Oasis.

The film’s title – “Supersonic” – pays homage to the band's debut single, setting the pace of its exploration of Oasis' rise to superstardom. This title aptly fits the documentary since it truly captures the high-speed spirit with which the band mounted to stardom, disrupted the industry, and experienced inner turmoil, all resulting in an explosion of creativity and chaos.

Incorporating interviews from band members like Paul Arthurs (more commonly known as 'Bonehead') and Mark Coyle -- the band's early sound engineer, alongside Christine Biller -- Noel and Liam's mother, the documentary paints an intimate and often unapologetic portrayal of the band and its bygone era. The narratives offer not only an in-depth examination of the Gallaghers and their band but also give a unique insight into the cultural and social climate of the time, as well as the broader music scene.

The energetic, immersive atmosphere is further enhanced by the iconic soundtrack, cementing the film's appeal to both passionate Oasis fans and general music lovers alike. Songs like “Live Forever,” “Champagne Supernova,” and “Wonderwall” underscore the thrilling tale of the band’s rise and fall, drawing audiences into the whirlwind that was the 90s Britpop scene.

Ingeniously crafted, Supersonic offers a compelling, balanced, unflinching, and surprisingly moving depiction of the band, punctuating the loud cockiness with unexpected instances of vulnerability and profundity. It brings to light the profundity underneath the bravado and the genius behind the madness that marked Oasis as one of the remarkable phenomena of their time.

Oasis: Supersonic doesn't shy away from revealing the darker sides of fame and the pitfalls of success. As much as it celebrates the peak of Oasis' career, it also acknowledges the tumultuous relationship between the Gallagher brothers, marked by public brawls and private tensions that were as famous as their music.

All in all, Oasis: Supersonic is a must-watch for Oasis loyalists and for anyone who wants to understand the cultural phenomenon that the band really was. It's a swirling ride through the early days of the band, from anonymous youths in Manchester to the creators of a Britpop revolution, undeniably capturing the raw essence and ethos of Oasis. Even without indulging in every detail of the band's later life and presence, the film showcases an immersive and fascinating narrative that stands solidly as a document of a band, a time, and a genre.