Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bland docu about K-pop boy band BTS contains consumerism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Break the Silence: The Movie
What's the Story?
BREAK THE SILENCE: THE MOVIE is the fourth documentary and concert film about the internationally successful Korean boy band BTS. The movie follows the group throughout 2019, as they undertake their first international stadium tour. The interview footage features each member discussing life on and off stage.
Is It Any Good?
While technically a documentary, this movie plays more like an extended promo reel for BTS, a much-loved Korean boy band who regularly sell-out stadium venues across the globe. What's most remarkable about Break the Silence: The Movie is perhaps what it doesn't show you. There is little detail about the group's rise to the international dominance or any real acknowledgement of the huge crowds they play to across four continents. This arguably reflects the bubble in which BTS's fame requires them to exist -- BTS newcomers will need to find other means of learning about the band's background. But there's not much here for devoted fans to get their teeth into, either.
The camerawork for their dazzling live shows is pretty flat, while their performances sound overdubbed to the point where the crowd noise is just another effect. Critics may argue that this reflects the risk-free, manufactured nature of boy bands' music. Still, some more footage of the band on media duties or just of the time they spend talking among themselves, rather than their stilted to-camera interviews, would've made for a more interesting end product. Unfortunately, Break the Silence… isn't much to shout about.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the global appeal of BTS, as portrayed in Break the Silence: The Movie. What is it about them that makes them so popular? Did you expect BTS to be so popular in so many countries? Why do you think they appeal to people of all nationalities? Is this unusual when it comes to bands?
Would you describe the members of the band as positive role models? If so, why? What are some of the positive character strengths they display? Why are these good traits to have?
Did the behind-the-scenes access change the way you look at the lives of glamorous pop stars? How do the members of BTS use staying positive to help them cope with their unusual lives, and how does it help them feel connected to their fans? Were you surprised that they felt unhappy sometimes?
Discuss the consumerism and materialism displayed in the movie? Is it right for people to enjoy their wealth and success? When does it become a problem?
How does this movie compare with other music documentaries you've seen?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 24, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : July 8, 2024
- Cast : BTS , Marry Majara , Sindi Mokoena
- Director : Jun-Soo Park
- Studio : Trafalgar Releasing
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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