RAIN THE BEST SHOW 3D (2011)

Genre: Concert
Runtime: 1 hr 35 mins
Rating: TBA
Released By: Encore Films & Filmgarde
Official Website: http://sonyclassics.com/celesteandjesseforever/

Opening Day: 27 September 2012

Synopsis: A 3D movie featuring K-pop international star Rain’s mega concert. “Rain The Best Show” was Rain’s last concert before his military enlistment last October. The concert was filmed in September 2011 at Seoul Olympic Park’s Gymnastics Stadium. The 1 hour and 35 minutes 3D movie features the highlights of the 2 hour 30 minute concert. The movie will feature Rain’s energy-packed performances including some of his most famous songs like “How to Avoid the Sun,” “Rainism,” and “Bad Guy.” The 3D effects heighten the intensity of the concert.

Movie Review:

Rain is possibly one of the most sensational stars that shot to fame during the first wave of the Hallyu culture. Even after debuting for more than 9 years, his level of popularity does not seem to cease; he is still getting a lot of endorsements deals, drama/movie roles, as well as international exposure. This concert film was recorded last year, before he made got enlisted for army. It is definitely great news for fans here as you can reminisce the star’s glistering moments even as he is inactive for the time being.

Please brace yourself for what you are getting into before you get the movie tickets. This is really just a concert movie, with no storyline, no plot, just the star and his dancers. In the 95 minutes, there was just a lot of singing, dancing and fan service. By fan service, you get to even see him change!!! *insert loud and high-pitched squeals* You may be expecting some sort of a climax, but it is rather non-existent in this movie…

Not trying being skeptical and discounting what this dazzling star can do, but it was really not that impressive after all. Firstly, the camera angles were boring. You could probably count how many different shots there were. Also, as much as 3D technology can give an added dimension to the otherwise less than exciting 2D, it could also magnify mistakes. It works as a double-edged sword. Undoubtedly there were scenes that take your breath away, but they are not enough to keep your adrenaline high.

Rain is very good with his dance. He was very charming, doing his thing on stage. However it gets a little boring during the MC parts (with no BGM at all!) and ballots. There was nothing much to look forward to in those segments and the background graphics were did not value-add as well (they were either just parts from his past performances or a close-up of him).

It’s great that he’s got great support from his dancers, which make his dance segments particularly strong. That being said, if you don’t dig into dances that goes with Korean pop tunes, it’d be a zero attraction for you. The stage set-up was nothing spectacular. It’s a simple 工-shaped stage, with a rising platform behind. The effects were not very special too. In fact, there was a segment where he was drenched in fake rain, which was quite absurd and cheesy. Still, it was comforting to see him dance to some of his famous songs like Rainism and It’s Raining.

Don’t say that you’re not warned, that the acoustics at the cinemas is not that good after all, so you do not get that concert-like feeling at the end. This is possibly a major drawback of watching a concert at the cinema. Well but to say the least, it is better than watching this on a 13-inch laptop or even a 42-inch television. 

Movie Rating:

(Too much hip thrusting and crotch scratching kill the pheromones)

Review by Tho Shu Ling