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(CNN) – “Blackpink: Light Up the Sky” is not surprising that it contains its share of material simply aimed at fans of the K-pop group, affectionately known as “Blinks.” However, there is a deeper undertone to this Netflix documentary about the sacrifices and stress these young women undergo, which recalls the training regimens Olympians face in search of gold and glory.
Formed in 2016, the South Korean group has become a global sensation, and the documentary, directed by Caroline Suh, essentially builds on their triumphant performance at Coachella in 2019.
By featuring the four members individually and collectively, the project also offers a humanizing insight into the trade-offs made to achieve this success, rising through the ranks of YG Entertainment, which produces acts while selecting candidates for the elusive qualities associated with stardom. .
That includes a training program that begins when the contestants are maxed out in their teens (Suh incorporates audition videos), and when practice begins in earnest, a schedule that allows a day off every two weeks.
While Blackpink stars Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa express the enthusiasm needed to act, the film really sets itself apart when the women let their guard down a bit, going beyond the platitudes. There is an element of nostalgia, for example, when talking about not growing up with their families, about lost experiences or feeling alive on stage and a degree of emptiness in the silence that follows.
“A lot of people create memories as a high school student,” says Jennie. “But I never had that.”
The members also acknowledge the pressure and expectations they currently face (“How do we live up to this hype?” Their producer asks) and the potentially fleeting nature of fame, including the possibility of being pushed aside for a new act when are older.
“The thing is, you never know how long it will last,” muses Rosé, who grew up in Australia, at one point.
Of course, the women’s quartet remains in their 20s, with hits like “Kill This Love,” and moments of sobriety don’t make “Blackpink: Light Up the Sky” a disappointment in any way. There are still plenty of boisterous performances showcasing your talents, behind-the-scenes access to rehearsals and car rides as you tour the world, and even a few happy tears during a show.
For Netflix, aligning itself with popular music acts is clearly a no-brainer, like its Taylor Swift documentary “Miss Americana” earlier this year, and a way to broaden its demographic appeal.
However, since this type of documentary is as much a marketing tool as anything else, both for the streaming service and for the group’s new album, the challenge is turning it into more than just an infomercial. Viewed that way, “Blackpink: Light Up the Sky” manages to offer a welcoming reminder that even for the reigning queens of K-pop, all that glitters is not always gold.
This story was first published on CNN.com “‘Blackpink: Light Up the Sky’ shines brightest when it humanizes the K-pop group”
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