Supersonic

Supersonic is a 2016 British documentary film directed by Matt Casey that takes a thrilling, behind-the-scenes look at the meteoric rise of the iconic rock band Oasis. Over the course of three remarkable years, Oasis catapulted from the Manchester council estates to the pinnacle of rock stardom, with their unique blend of British rock music, raw energy, and the inimitable sibling rivalry between lead vocalist Liam and lead guitarist Noel Gallagher. The film begins by delving into the humble beginnings of the Gallagher brothers, born and raised in the working-class Manchester suburbs of Burnage and Longsight. Raised by their mother, Peggy, the Galahers' early years were marked by poverty and struggles, with their father, Thomas, largely absent from the picture. This tumultuous background would eventually shape the raw energy and emotional intensity that would define Oasis's sound. In the late 1980s, Noel, then a 16-year-old high school student, began writing music in his bedroom. He soon teamed up with his older brother Liam, who shared his passion for rock and roll, and the seeds of Oasis were sown. With Liam's raw, raspy vocals and Noel's virtuosic guitar work, the brothers began gigging around Manchester, playing small clubs and pubs. These early performances would lay the groundwork for the band's eventual success, as Liam's charismatic stage presence and Noel's songcraft and guitar playing made them an instant hit with local audiences. The documentary skillfully weaves together candid interviews with Noel and Liam, as well as their mother, Peggy, to provide a deeply personal and intimate portrait of the brothers and their family. Through these interviews, we gain insight into the complexities of their relationship, with Noel describing his brother as "a wild boy" and "a madman," while Liam reciprocates with affectionate praise for Noel's genius. Peggy, meanwhile, poignantly captures the emotional highs and lows of raising two talented but troubled sons. In 1993, Oasis recorded their debut album, "Definitely Maybe," which would soon propel the band to mainstream success. The album's raw, energetic sound, combined with Liam's distinctive vocals and Noel's clever lyrics, quickly earned Oasis a devoted fan base. The brothers' dynamic, though frequently explosive, was a central factor in the band's appeal, with their sibling rivalry both mirroring and fueling their creative partnership. Supersonic meticulously chronicles Oasis's subsequent rise to rock superstardom, from the release of their seminal album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" in 1995 to their iconic performances at Knebworth Park in 1996. These performances, which drew massive crowds of over 200,000 fans per night, were a testament to the band's remarkable energy and appeal, as well as their ability to connect with a vast and diverse audience. Throughout the film, Casey intersperses the brothers' interviews with archival footage of Oasis's most pivotal moments, including their first gig at the legendary Boardwalk club in Manchester, their early performances at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, and the making of their debut music video for "Supersonic." These behind-the-scenes glimpses add a further layer of authenticity to the narrative, underscoring the band's dedication to their craft and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of rock music. Supersonic also explores the complexities of the Gallagher brothers' relationship, which, while often tumultuous, has been the key factor in Oasis's enduring success. Their debates about music, style, and attitude have been a defining aspect of the band's identity, with each brother fiercely protective of their own vision and creative territory. Through these candid interviews, we see the inseparability of their bond, as well as the constant push-and-pull that has fueled their musical partnership. The documentary concludes with Oasis's subsequent success and eventual breakup in 2009, an event that left fans and critics alike stunned. The split, which was largely precipitated by the Gallagher brothers' deepening animosity, marked the end of an era for rock music. Noel ultimately formed the High Flying Birds, while Liam launched Beady Eye, both attempting to continue the Oasis legacy. Through Supersonic, however, Casey proves that the true magic of Oasis lies not in their subsequent musical endeavors but in the raw, unbridled energy and rebellious spirit that fueled their meteoric rise to fame. As a testament to the enduring power of rock music, this film serves as a poignant tribute to the brothers Gallagher and their beloved band, reminding audiences why Oasis remains one of the most beloved and influential British bands of all time.