[en] SM Town – a changed perspective

Today we want to revitalize our “Reviews And Critics” section by introducing a new writer. Kerenza who is living in the UK wrote a review about the move “I AM.”. Please read and enjoy!

The film, released on the 21st of June 2012, named I AM, presented to the world the beautiful show at Madison Square Garden in New York. SM town’s artists are seen here in a more natural light, the reality of show business and the entertainment world reflecting a more honest and innocent view of these massive idols.

There is much resentment when an artist’s debuts with SM entertainment, many claim that they have a uneven chance of success over others due to the vast funding schemes placed behind the bands. Many criticise the way they use specifically handsome and beautiful people, presenting this as their only selling point. Whilst others may reflect negatively on the “factory produced” style of the bands, with generic themes such as the perfect dance routines, western nicknames, dyed hair and extravagant stage outfits. In fact when I first discovered SM entertainment I was put off by the wealth of the company, and the obvious display of idols who seemed to be in the limelight on every TV show I watched.

However my view towards SM entertainment has changed drastically, they no longer represent a money-making scheme but a family. After some time, following the different bands, you realise the effort that each artist puts in to make it the “perfect” standard that we expect from SM Town. The DVD only heightened this view, I was enlightened to the true hardships behind each smiling face, the real hours of training put in, the tears and crushing disappointments of many. At times it made me tearful as sore topics arose, especially when TVXQ’s Changmin was speaking about the spilt of DBSK. I never really appreciated the real effort that they put in, but what really stood out throughout this documentary was the talent of these artists. Each portrayed a beautiful level of talent, even in their pre-debut days, the second clips of the idols dancing proved why they deserve the recognition they receive.

Although there will always be doubts about such a large organisation as SM, there is one thing that will remain true. These artists have talent. The music, the dances, their performance presents to the world one of the greatest entertainment companies ever created.

Written by: Kerenza

Image source: SM-Town.