Flawed is Beautiful is an intriguing documentary film that dives into the unsung narrative of two of the most under-appreciated bands of the Britpop era: These Animal Men and S*M*A*S*H. The narrative primarily revolves around the lives of the members of these bands, their trials, tribulations, and fleeting run with fame during the meteoric rise of Britpop, a subgenre of alternative rock that was immensely popular during the mid-1990s in the United Kingdom.

The film is directed and produced by the skilled filmmaker Richard England, who carves out an intimate and riveting portrayal of music history, interwoven with emotion, ambition, exuberance, and disappointment. Released in 2015, the film serves as a significant documentation of a vital but often overlooked slice of British music history.

The bands, S*M*A*S*H from Welwyn Garden City and These Animal Men from Brighton, were among the progenitors of the New Wave of New Wave (NWONW), the movement that sought to bring about a new era in British punk/rock music. Flawed is Beautiful offers an in-depth look into the cultural, social, and musical landscape that gave birth to these bands and further paved the way for the riotous Britpop era.

Richard England's direction provides a layered insight into the tumultuous journey that these bands embarked on at the height of their careers. By tracing their story through interviews, news archives, present-day footage, and insights from those who lived the era, the film unveils the euphoria and abrupt disenchantment that marked their career trajectories.

Flawed is Beautiful is a nostalgic ride that plunges into the dynamics of fleeting fame, youthful idealism, and the harsh realities of the music industry. The film documents footage of live performances, encapsulating the raw energy of the bands and the intoxicatingly rebellious spirit of the '90s. It also reveals the broader societal context, exploring the ethos of that particular era, marked by rebellion, youth angst, hedonistic tendencies, and an uncompromising passion for music.

The narrative smoothly transitions between past and present, seamlessly blending interviews of band members with moments of their explosive live performances. A noteworthy feature of the film is the candid, unaffected responses from band members, who reflect upon their witnessing firsthand the obsessive hype of the era and grappling with the fast fade-out.

Besides delving into the bands' narratives, Flawed is Beautiful also chronicles the responses and reflections of the fans who were deeply moved and influenced by these bands' music. It captures the essence of fandom, bringing to the fore a palpable nostalgia for a bygone era of music.

Viewers get to see rare snippets of the bands' performances, backstage moments, and glimpses of their lives off-stage. The film does an excellent job at stoking the curiosity of the viewers, making one wonder about the potential that these bands possessed and what they could have achieved had they not been overshadowed by bigger names of the Britpop movement.

However, Flawed is Beautiful is not merely a historical documentation of an era or an exploration of the bands' narratives. It is a poignant rumination on creativity, youth, fame, disillusionment, and resilience. It paints a vivid and heartfelt picture of a time when music was not solely about chart-topping hits or lucrative commercial contracts but encapsulated the restless spirit and distinct identity of a generation.

Flawed is Beautiful serves as a beautiful tribute to These Animal Men and S*M*A*S*H- bands that may not have scaled the heights of commercial popularity but left an indelible imprint on the music scene of the 1990s. The title itself encapsulates the core message of the film, resonating with the idea that while these bands may be considered 'flawed' in their short-lived journey to fame, their authenticity, raw power, and unyielding spirit are what make them truly 'beautiful'.

In conclusion, Flawed is Beautiful is a must-watch for music lovers, especially those with a penchant for Britpop or the punk movement. It is a nostalgic, moving, and essential viewing that provides an insightful exploration into a dynamic period in British music history. It echoes the timeless adage that success can't merely be measured in commercial terms; the true worth lies in the art's power to inspire, engage, and move its audience- something These Animal Men and S*M*A*S*H undoubtedly achieved.