This nostalgic and in many ways frank documentary focusing on the rise and fall and then rise again of the popular boyband really captures the joys and perils of fame.
While perhaps David Soutar’s wonderfully nostalgic documentary perhaps doesn’t reveal anything that longstanding fans such as myself don’t know, however what emerges is a frank look at the joys and pitfalls of fame – told in each band members words.
Split over three parts, the documentary series charts from the very beginnings of the band, the stresses and strains due to the increasing fame and the eventual comeback.
Every aspect of Take That’s story is covered with frankness and honesty. From Howard’s uncertainty as to what he was going to do in the wake of the band splitting up, Mark and Jason not feeling good enough to sing and of course Robbie and Gary’s infamous falling out.
Featuring a range of behind the scenes footage, the audience is given real insight as to how the increasing fame impacted on each individual and how particularly in terms of them coming back together changed their outlook on what it meant to be a band.
The sheer range of footage that is included is impressive and has been clearly selected to reflect the infolding history of the group perfectly. The editing is well done and ensures that everything is clearcut and focused, but also the way in which it hones in on certain reactions of each member heightens the sense of honesty – particularly in the second episode and you see how they moved on in their separate ways there is a sense of sadness and deep reflection that makes it fascinating to watch.
Equally, through the honest voiceovers you can tell just how much pressure was placed upon them and you can understand why they felt that they were more of a business rather than individuals coming together to make music that they enjoyed performing. The highs and lows of the fame that being in the group is very much highlighted.
There is also plenty of joyfulness to be found, seeing the way in which they all interacted with each other particular in the early days that definitely reminds the audience of why they won the hearts of millions of fans. This is equally matched in the way it is captured in the way that they all came back together, highlighting the joy for fans and also for Take That themselves as a chance to repair old wounds and look to the future. The way in which the series is laid out has a phoenix from the ash type quality to it that leaves the audience feeling uplifted and grateful that they were willing to put themselves out there after so long.
The key to making this documentary series work is the fact that Gary, Mark, Howard, Jason and Robbie’s voices are right at the heart of this. It feels as though it is their opportunity to express exactly what how they felt and thought about being part of Take That and how it has impacted on their lives – it is strikingly honest and in many ways poignant. Even through just the voice overs you can tell exactly how much being part of Take That has meant to them.
But what is also uplifting in this new era of Take That is how much more control that they seem to have over what they do next. The music that they create and how the writing credits are split show how much the group has evolved over the years – it leaves you feeling excited for their future and what is next (although from this writer’s perspective very much still missing Jason).
Overall, it is an entertaining and enjoyable documentary series that makes you realise once again the power of Take That.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️