FILM REVIEW: OASIS – DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER (15) ESP RATING: 4/5
A huge dose of nostalgia that I didn’t realise I needed quite this badly.
I’ve said in previous reviews that I genuinely think people are desperate for nostalgia now more than ever – and this musical docu-film on legendary British band Oasis provides just that.
With the world changing at such a ridiculous pace, there’s something incredibly comforting about looking back at simpler times and remembering when life felt a little less complicated.
I was the perfect age when Britpop and Oasis exploded. I was surrounded by my mates, having a laugh and generally being as carefree as you can be before adulthood comes along and introduces you to bills, responsibilities and all that adulting malarkey. Oasis and their classic musical catalogue were constantly playing somewhere in the background during some of the best years of my life.
I don’t think I’m alone when I say there's something almost spiritual about what that band means to me.
That’s what Don’t Look Back in Anger captures so brilliantly.
This documentary isn’t particularly interested in digging up every scandal, argument and controversy from Oasis’ wilder years (there’s plenty of other documentaries going into that). Instead, it’s very much a celebration of what the band means to their fans, with the focus largely falling on their hugely anticipated reunion tour after the Gallagher brothers – Liam and Noel – reunited after a fifteen-year estrangement.
We get glimpses into the past, but the real treat is seeing the band preparing to get back on stage. For the first time, we’re given access to footage of them rehearsing together, alongside plenty of backstage material that gives us a peek behind the curtain at what goes into putting such a massive tour together.
The documentary also does a fantastic job of showing that Oasis isn’t simply a band to a lot of people. Their music has become attached to memories, friendships, relationships, growing up and moments that people probably haven’t thought about for years.
Seeing fans react to the music while simultaneously being reminded of my own memories was probably the biggest reason I enjoyed this as much as I did. It’s difficult not to get swept up in it when you have your own personal soundtrack playing in your head alongside everything happening on screen.
This is very much one for the fans. If you’re one of them, I think you’ll get an awful lot out of this. If you’re not already a fan, well . . . don’t look back in anger if you don’t quite get the appeal. Sorry, couldn’t help myself!
ESP Rating: 4/5
Mike Clarke
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough & Odeon Luxe Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher & Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs
Running Time: 2 Hrs 3 Mins
Director: Will Lovelace & Dylan Southern
Film Review Venue: Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough
For all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux & Odeon Luxe Cinemas go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and www.odeon.co.uk
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