When talking about 'idols,' many might think of cute girls smiling and dancing joyfully on stage. But BNK48: Girls Don't Cry, a documentary directed by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, will take you to the other side of the coin, filled with tears, pressure, and vulnerability of girls chasing their dreams. This film is not just a promotion for the idol group, but the most honest and sincere record ever made about the lives of 'idols' in Thailand.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
BNK48: Girls Don't Cry is a documentary that follows the lives of BNK48 members from their debut to the first senbatsu election in 2018. The film does not focus on stage performances or success, but instead delves into the unseen behind-the-scenes: intense rehearsals, moments when members face competitive pressure, relationships between bandmates that are both warm and tense, and the difficult decisions of girls who must choose whether to continue or stop here.
Although the title says Girls Don't Cry, throughout the film we see tears of many members, whether tears of regret, pressure, or joy. The film tells us that the tears of these girls mean more than meets the eye. They don't cry because they are weak, but because they dare to dream and accept reality.
Performance and Characters
As a documentary, the main characters are the real BNK48 members, especially Cherprang Areekul (Cherprang), Jennis Oprasert (Jennis), Kanteera Wadcharathadsanakul (Music), and Jetsupa Kruetang (Kaew), who appear most frequently. The film does not try to create an image or embellish anything to make them look better than reality, but lets them be themselves, whether laughing, crying, or arguing.
What stands out is how the film makes us feel connected to each member in a short time. We see differences in personality, such as Cherprang trying to bear responsibility as team captain, while Jennis appears confident and expressive but also has a hidden sensitive side. Their performances are not 'acted' but reveal their true selves, which is the charm of this documentary.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, the talented director who previously made Mary Is Happy, Mary Is Happy and Freelance: Ham Pet Ham Phak Ham Rak Mor, uses an 'observational' storytelling style in this documentary. His camera is like a friend capturing important moments without interfering or directing. The resulting images feel natural and intimate.
The cinematography includes both traditional angles depicting rehearsals and elections, and 'cinéma vérité' style that makes us feel like we are in the room with them. The soundtrack uses BNK48's own songs, such as Cookie Fortune Teller and God Tier, whose lyrics align with the film's mood in each segment. The concise editing keeps the film engaging and not boring, despite its 107-minute runtime.
Editorial Analysis
BNK48: Girls Don't Cry is not just a documentary about an idol group, but a mirror reflecting the 'idol' culture in Thai society. The film questions the price one must pay for dreams, whether sacrificing personal time, facing fan expectations, and being constantly watched. This makes us see that their success does not come easily, but must be exchanged for tears and fatigue hidden behind smiles.
Additionally, the film addresses friendship and competition in the idol industry, which both support and erode each other simultaneously. Scenes where members argue over rankings, or where some must say goodbye to their dreams because they are eliminated, serve as reminders that this path is not paved with roses. The film makes us question whether the 'dreams' we admire are squeezing the lives of these girls too much? Ultimately, this documentary reminds us that behind every success, there is a 'human' with a heart and feelings.
Verdict
BNK48: Girls Don't Cry is an honest and powerful documentary that not only makes fans love the group more, but also helps general audiences understand and sympathize with girls chasing their dreams. This film is suitable for anyone who wants to see behind the scenes of the idol industry, or those who enjoy quality documentaries that touch the human heart.
👍 Pros
- +Reveals the real side of the idol industry never seen before
- +Nawapol's subtle and natural direction
- +Makes viewers feel connected and empathetic towards each member
👎 Cons
- −May not be interesting for those who don't like documentaries or don't know BNK48
- −Some parts are lengthy and repetitive with rehearsals and elections
Top Cast
FAQ
No spoilers. The film covers the group's first election but does not reveal all results in detail, allowing viewers who don't know the outcome to follow along.
No. While fans will especially love it, general audiences can also watch and understand it because the film focuses on humanity and the dreams of young girls, which are universal.
Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit has notable works such as Freelance: Ham Pet Ham Phak Ham Rak Mor (2015), Mary Is Happy, Mary Is Happy (2013), and Die Tomorrow (2017).
