The Smiths: Under Review

I watched this documentary a couple of months ago and I had a very enjoyable time knowing a little more about Brit rock sensation The Smiths. Simple and safe, and very informative the project makes a summarization of the group, their albums and the singles that made them one of the most important groups of the 1980's. Interviews with producers, musicians who knew them during their fame years (1982-1987) sharing stories about the group formation, the act on stage or on studio; and there's also some music fans who share their views on some particular tracks and albums. Archive interviews with lead singer/composer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr are also featured but no updated words from theirs or Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce appears.

Most of what it's told I knew beforehand, other stories and facts were completely new to me (mostly related about Craig Gannon's brief stint with the band and the man himself appears here; and the late Tony Wilson has plenty of good stories to share about Morrissey's early years. It's a real treat); but it worked for me. Haven't seen many other documentaries or specials about the band so I can't compare with others unless some epic documentary with all the band members sharing their views and their stories come along.

It's a fine documentary, no question about it, but it can be problematic or annoying to hardcore fans who have their own personal opinions about a particular album or one particular song wheneve the people featured here starts to express their opinions on those issues. Sometimes it's hard to keep on listening to those - there's a whole criticism against "Strangeways, Here We Come" that not only is a very underrated album but it also happens to be Moz and Marr's personal favorite of theirs. If interested in the story and their career is quite interesting to follow, just pay no mind to the personal insights of the figures interviewd. To new fans, this is highly recommended. 9/10.