SOUTH Korean mega group BigBang is celebrating its 10th year anniversary this year with its first movie that follows its highly successful second world tour.
The BigBang MADE World Tour ran from April last year to March this year, through 15 countries, with 66 shows in 32 cities, attracting 1.5 million fans. The 340-day tour, which is now considered the largest by a South Korean act, was held in support of BigBang’s third full-length Korean studio album, MADE.
When the group came to Malaysia for this tour in July last year, local fans were initially promised a one-night show but due to such high demand, the organisers added a second show, making it one of the biggest and most expensive concerts to be held here.
Here’s a fun fact! There were about 16,000 fans per show, while the group’s previous concert in Kuala Lumpur in 2012 for its Alive tour, some 18,000 fans were in attendance. That’s crazy!
However, the film isn’t your run-of-the-mill concert documentary that primarily shows concert performances. Instead, there are more exclusive behind-the-scenes clips of how the group prepared for the tour and the album. Expect to see lots of candid, heartfelt and unscripted interviews from the five enigmatic members — G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, Daesung and Seungri.
Witness how stressful it is to plan a concert, and knowing BigBang, it is no ordinary show. Those who had attended the MADE tour concert, or BigBang’s other concerts prior, will know that BigBang and its talent agency YG Entertainment prioritise quality when it comes to putting up a good show. The MADE tour is another product of YG’s world-class concert production, with stunning visuals, gorgeous lighting, powerful sound system and incredible stages.
The inspiring thing about it is how the members were involved in every part of the process. They were meticulous about every little detail. The group’s leader, G-Dragon, especially was very critical, choosing to be a perfectionist when it comes to this. The film shows that it wasn’t a smooth-sailing journey for the boys and the production crew as there was a huge issue of miscommunication, or lack thereof.
Viewers will also see how the members try extremely hard to give their fans a memorable night, putting their comfort and health second. The pure dedication and hard work the boys put into their career is inspiring to witness, not only by fans who are already aware of their professionalism but also non-fans.
Seriousness aside, the film also showcases the members’ funny side, which usually might not be visible when they are performing their music. BigBang’s hits, which include Bang Bang Bang and Fantastic Baby, are not of the cheesy pop genre but instead feature a unique blend of alternative hip-hop, pop-rock and R&B.
These give them a bad boy persona, but fans would know that behind those camouflages are five endearing personalities who are hilarious and crazy.
Fans would also know the boys have gone through thick and thin together for more than 10 years since they debuted in December, 2006. That makes their camaraderie so natural onscreen. And that’s a delight to see.
The boys know how to make one another laugh, and there are no inhibitions among them, even when the camera is on them. A major highlight is when a member sneaks into the bathroom (with handphone camera ready) where another member is showering. Hilarity ensues.
Another highlight is the scene where they shoot the music video for We Like 2 Party in Jeju Island. The boys were completely intoxicated when they filmed it and it’s nice to see that carefree side of theirs. Those who are familiar with the boys’ true personalities will notice that the film sticks to its promise to show the boys’ natural selves.
Those who aren’t quite familiar will understand that behind those money-making and charismatic onscreen personas are five boys who just like to have fun.
Viewers will also learn about the people behind their fame, namely their choreographer, makeup artist and hairstylist.
BigBang has left a glamorous impression on the K-Pop industry not only with their enigmatic music, but also their strong image.
The boys’ relationship with their staff is heartwarming, especially since they both went through the same challenging journey together.
Of course, the BigBang members’ long-lasting partnership will be put on hold when it is time for them to go for their compulsory military service. This has been talked about for a while now, and BigBang wants to leave the industry (for now) with a big bang (pun intended), hence the concert movie.
Also a looming issue that arose in the middle of the tour was whether they would renew their contract with YG. The party atmosphere turns back to serious as the boys discuss what their friendship, their profession, their agency and their fans mean to them.
Here, it can get quite touching as the boys let out their innermost thoughts. It shows how much they greatly cherish what they do. Those who follow the group’s progress over the years will find the film extremely heartwarming because you see how much blood, sweat and tears they have put into their career. Those who don’t can learn about the core strength behind such a powerful performing act.
No matter where you stand, this film is a must-watch for all VIPs (what BigBang fans call themselves) because it is the perfect farewell present.
BIGBANG MADE: THE MOVIE will be screened from today till July 31 at TGV Sunway Pyramid, TGV KLCC, TGV 1Utama, TGV Tebrau Johor Baru, TGV 1st Avenue Penang, TGV Jaya Shopping Centre, TGV Encorp Strand Mall Kota Damansara and TGV Dpulze Cyberjaya
OPENS TODAY
BIG BANG MADE: THE MOVIE
Director: Byun Jin-Ho
Starring: G-Dragon, Taeyang, T.O.P, Daesung, Seungri
Duration: 114 minutes
Rated: P13