If you’re looking for something more than just a concert experience, I AM is one movie you should not miss.

Made up of concert footages juxtaposed with behind-the-scenes stories of various SM Entertainment artistes, the documentary is an eye-opener for those curious to know more about their favourite idols.

The show opens with a video of Girls’ Generation waiting backstage at the SM TOWN LIVE WORLD TOUR IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, followed by individual interview segments with the girls. I shall stop here before I reveal any spoilers.

I AM not only gives you a rare glimpse into the blood, sweat and tears that these Hallyu stars have pumped into their careers, but also brings you on an insightful journey into the internal conflicts that rise amongst themselves.

I was seated in a theatre full of E.L.Fs who cheered and chorused along to the lyrics with much gusto each time a Super Junior member graced the screen.

Screams of delight reverberated through the theatre when Han Geng, Kangin and Kibum made cameo appearances pieced together from old footages. In their defence, it has been a while since we saw the group as 13.

Fans will also see never-seen-before footages of the days of debut of Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee and f(x).

The video clips will make you laugh, cringe and cry, as you witness the painstaking hardships that these stars had to endure during their trainee and early debut days.

Those who have followed SM Entertainment artistes or been into K-pop for a long time would be familiar with former H.O.T member Kangta and BoA.

I was a tad disappointed that Kangta’s part was relatively short but his beautiful duet with Sulli on “7989”, which was originally sung with Taeyeon, more than make up for it.

You will also realise that BoA deserves every bit of fame she has earned today. The young star who made her debut at 13 had to toughen herself up for the gruelling nature of the industry.

What I loved about this documentary was how the director weaved the footages using jump cuts to juxtapose various scenes. It reminded me of Takashi Miike’s Crows Zero, albeit slightly less artistic.

In a nutshell, if you’re a fan of any of the SM Entertainment artistes, this is definitely a must-watch.