Burn the Stage: A Review

BTS Burn the Stage: Movie Review

by

Emma Norman

Recently, BTS’ new film documentary came to cinemas across the UK and the world. ARMY’s flocked to cinema’s excited to see the film, with some sporting BTS tops, hoodies and BT21 merchandise. Seats were filled with ARMY’s of all ages, genders and ethnicities. Teenagers, adults and parents with their young children sat excitedly, ready to get a glimpse into the lives the BTS members lead.

Almost instantly, the whole screening room errupted into a choir of laughter as the BigHit Introduction we have all gotten to know so well, appeared on the big screen. After this, ARMYs settled down to enjoy what was being shown to them, not wanting to miss a single second.

With the film mainly portraying events from the wings tour, clips were shown of the boys performing on stage, and ARMYs enjoying the show from their seats. Beautiful shots were displayed on the screen, of complex and fiery choreography that we know the boy’s practice all too well in order to show the fans a perfect performance. For those who were unable to go to their recent tour, it gave them a glimpse of how they could feel, seeing their favourites performing live.

But for those ARMY’s who have watched countless concert performances in their own time and were hoping to delve deeper into what happens backstage and what the boys do in their free time, they were most certainly not disappointed.

Scenes showed what BTS members liked to do away from the concert venues, with some reading, some relaxing in their hotel rooms, whilst others worked and began creating new demo’s for possible future tracks.  The movie also offered beautifully sequenced and edited mini-movies of the boys enjoying themselves and having fun with each other.

Throughout all the scenes showed to viewers, I think what was most clearly portrayed was the sense of brotherhood between the members. Whether it was V trying to comfort Jimin after a mistake on-stage, Hoseok asking Yoongi about his Mixtape, members going shopping together, Hoseok going to check on Namjoon after he hurt is ankle, or just simply enjoying an evening BBQ by the poolside, it was clear that these seven boys aren’t just held together by a contract, but by the genuine love they have for one another.

Throughout the movie, narrations added to the scenes of screen. Beautifully written descriptions captured what the seven young men felt about their success, how they felt towards their fans and towards each other and staff. The BTS we know to be so down to earth and thankful always, were the same BTS being shown to us viewers. Words of thanks and praise filled ARMY’s ears, as they showed gratitude for us always staying by their side. Humble comments which expressed doubts on whether or not they deserved such success and love was also added. The closing interviews with each member allowed ARMY’s to understand the minds of each member, as they spoke from their hearts.

One thing, from a personal perspective, that I felt was missing from this movie when comparing it to the Burn the Stage Youtube Red Series, was evidence that the boys do and will fall out with each other at times. As many ARMY’s know, in the Youtube Series they showed an argument between Taehyung and Jin about the choreography which consequently inflicted a tense mood in their dressing room. What was so great to see was how all of the members came together to talk about it, sort it out and to console anyone who was feeling upset. Whilst I understand that the producers of this movie may have wished for it to have a lighter, more upbeat energy, moments like that which show BTS as normal human beings who struggle and argue too at times, I feel, are so necessary to show their process and work ethic as a group. Especially for newer fans, or for parents who came along with their friends or children, I think such scenes would have been a great display of the strong teamwork we know BTS to have.

On an ending note, this film really captured the hearts of fans across the world. The film enabled us to see the BTS we know and love on the big screen, which is such an incredible achievement in itself, showing how far BTS have come since debut and how much further they can grow in the future. Burn the Stage makes you laugh, cry, and ‘awww’ in unison with ARMY’s alike, and you leave the cinema wanting to do better if not for others but for yourself.

- Emma