Asian cinema has undeniably claimed a prominent position on the global stage, propelled by eminent filmmakers such as Bong Joon-ho, Yasujirō Ozu, and Akira Kurosawa and more whose names resonate as ambassadors of a unique cinematic creativity. In this feature, let’s step into the world of Asian music videos and the influence of Asian cinema in shaping these visuals.
Everyone is familiar with K-Pop, the now globally acclaimed music genre that originated from Korea and has surged in popularity over the past decade. But have you heard of Korean shoegaze? As a reminder, shoegaze is a subgenre of alternative and indie rock. It often features a melancholic melody, reminiscent of summer evenings by the sea with friends.
Some works that have stamped their legacy on present day audiovisual creations in Asia include Wong Kar Wai's acclaimed "In the Mood for Love," elevated by meticulous cinematography and the ochre palette of the renowned cinematographer Christopher Doyle. Along similar lines is "Fallen Angels," portraying 1990s China illuminated by excessive neon lights, set to a synthesizer-infused soundtrack.
Transcending the cinematic realm, these works signify the artistic emancipation of Asia from Western norms, framed by authenticity and identity.
In this music video directed by the korean director Baek Seung Won (itsboywhite), we can sense the melancholy through dark imagery and slow-motion still shots. The music appears dreamlike, and the deliberate slowness enhances the sadness of the character who, evidently, seems to be writing a testament before contemplating suicide. The director drew inspiration from ocher colors and warm tones emitted by an English lamp.
Also directed by Baek Seung Won, this next video is a more upbeat production featuring a young woman walking along a road with a disoriented expression. The lively rhythm of the song is noticeable, yet the blue and black tones recall the Shoegaze style that the director aimed to infuse into this music video.
On the other side of the Asian continent, French filmmaker Dylan Besseau, of Vietnamese origin, has also embraced this artistic lineage with his music video "Happiness." The video features the song "Like a Blooming Season" by Korean singer Shin Hae Gyeong. Dylan portrays the same melancholic sentiment through a young woman who appears bored and finds solace in alcohol.
The open-ended conclusion of this video suggests that the young woman continues to be sad. This video incorporates similar themes to those found in Baek Seung Won's work, including the interplay of darkness and warm colors, and the portrayal of a young woman often alone in front of the camera. Slow-motion is also prominent, with the presence of artistic blur adding an additional layer of ambiguity, aligning with the intoxication described in the narrative.
The Asian style has managed to transcend across the globe, thanks to young filmmakers who have infused its codes into their creations. The significant legacy left by Wong Kar-Wai, particularly in photography and the use of light, has played a pivotal role. The new wave draws inspiration from and rejuvenates this style, giving rise to unique artistic creations. A style adopted by major entertainment companies, such as HIGHGRND, a subsidiary of the renowned talent agency YG Entertainment (known for representing artists like BlackPink, etc.). In this music video, the narrative is quite straightforward: a young woman dances in slow motion in front of a car that appears to be moving towards her. The shoegaze influences in the music bring forth that much appreciated melancholy, coupled with a vintage blue aesthetic.
