‘Made’ reveals candid footage of hallyu stars smoking, cursing, performing, living

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

In a scene in “Big Bang 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 that 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 to set off for their compulsory military service next year.

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

The film weaves one-on-one interviews with the bandmates 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 -- involving 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 the 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 international fans who explain their love for the group. It also shows Big Bang’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.”

Big Bang also speaks 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.

“But YG Entertainment is like home to me. I haven’t ever considered leaving home yet,” adds 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 Big Bang’s tour performances for the 270-degree film, YG Entertainment said.

Even for nonfans, 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.

“Big Bang Made” is set to open Thursday in local CGV theaters. Screen X versions will be available in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo, Yongsan, Hongdae and Mokdong.

By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)