Movie shows BIGBANG in natural state

In a scene in “BIGBANG Made,” G-Dragon sits in his dressing room barefaced and in his underwear, while Seungri ambushes the shower to take candid shots of T.O.P, who proceeds to spew expletives at his bandmate.

The documentary-style movie, a project which celebrates the wildly popular K-pop boy band’s 10-year anniversary, follows the group’s five members — G-Dragon, Seungri, T.O.P, Taeyang and Daesung — as they perform in 32 cities in 13 countries as part of the group’s 2015 world tour.

It is a movie that will delight fans, showing the five singers off guard in their natural state — onstage, backstage and offstage — as playful 20-somethings, perfectionist performers and sometimes even irritable celebrities. It is also something of a gift boding a temporary farewell, as many of the members, starting with T.O.P, are set to join the mandatory military service next year.

Members of K-pop group BIGBANG are featured in this still from the film “BIGBANG Made,” which opens in local theaters Thursday. (YG Entertainment)

“We don’t want it to be staged … does there have to be a format?” T.O.P’s voice says as the film starts off.

The film weaves one-on-one interviews with the members with footage of them frolicking about during music video shoots and often unwinding with a cigarette.

But it also shows them striving for perfection as professional performers, meticulously tending to the details of putting on live shows — which involve everything from fleeting flashes of stage lighting to the sound quality of background instruments. Shots show G-Dragon pushing forward with performances even when severely ill, Taeyang discussing dance movements and microphone volume with staff, and so on.

“During the 10 years I’ve been performing, I don’t think I’ve ever once had a perfect rehearsal,” says Taeyang. “That’s why we get more anxious every time.”

Featured in the movie are interviews with multinational fans who explain their love for the group. It also shows BIGBANG’s longtime crew — makeup artist, stylist, concert planner and choreographer — who have been with the group since the very beginning when G-Dragon, aged 13, started out as a trainee at YG Entertainment.

“I can’t do anything without these people,” he says in the film. “They’re like family.”

BIGBANG members also speak about their recent contract renewal with YG Entertainment at the end of last year.

“I was careful, because I didn’t know what would happen in the future, with my military service coming up,” says T.O.P.

Members of K-pop group BIGBANG are featured in this still from the film “BIGBANG Made,” which opens in local theaters Thursday. (YG Entertainment)

“But YG Entertainment is like home to me. I haven’t ever considered leaving home yet,” says G-Dragon.

Larger-than-life performances of hit songs like “Bang Bang Bang,” “Fantastic Baby” and “Haru Haru” are captured on Screen X, a technology that projects footage onto both of a theater’s side walls as well as the main screen for an immersive experience. Multiple cameras filmed BIGBANG’s tour performances for the 270-degree film, YG Entertainment said.

For non-fans, these heart-thumping concert scenes that surround the audience will be the highlight of the film, creating the illusion of being present at the concert in the midst of the crowd.

“BIGBANG Made” will open Thursday in local CGV theaters. The Screen X versions are available at CGV Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo, Yongsan, Hongdae and Mokdong.

By Rumy Doo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)