Summary
Netflix’s One Take does have an edge of inspiration behind it, driven by emotional cues brought on by certain euphoric and devastating scenes.
Netflix documentary BNK48: One Take, which follows Thai girl group BNK48, was released on the platform on June 18, 2020.
I’m not sure why but when I watch anything in the reality or documentary genre that centers on the entertainment industry and specifically pressures young people, I always feel uncomfortable. I felt that unease again with One Take, a Netflix documentary that follows members of Thai group BNK48 and share the ups and downs of preparing for the 6th Single Senbatsu General Election.
I feel uncomfortable because everything is magnified to such an extremity that it’s bordering nonsensical — these girls believe making it into the group is life and death and you know, as a viewer, that life is full of perceived failures. Documentaries like One Take always scope failure as a crippling defeat, when in reality, most successful people are born from losing. And I do wonder what the generations before us are going to be like when they assume making it into a popular band is a measure of success. That’s a pandemic of insecurities that doesn’t bear to think about and it’s evidently already started.
In terms of the documentary, it manages to elevate the limelight and affiliation of BNK48 by interviewing first and second-generation members. The public eye and the voting system evidently relies on a loyal fan base that results in winners and losers. It’s a cycle of opportunities where fame arises and it is clearly a winning formula.
Despite my philosophical view of the world, Netflix’s One Take does have an edge of inspiration behind it, driven by emotional cues brought on by certain euphoric and devastating scenes. I can imagine fans will welcome the documentary with open arms and will appreciate the raw and insightful window into Thai girl group BNK48.
For fans or those who are curious, BNK48: One Take is worth a watch. For some, it will be a familiar world while for others, it almost feels extraordinary.
