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Posted by gracelim3 pts Thursday, August 1, 2013

Inspecting the moves: EXO's 'Growl' Music Video

EXO

Imagine yourself in this situation: It's the first day of classes and you walk into the lecture hall feeling all giddy and hopeful. In a class this big, there's bound to be at least one cute guy or gal to keep your eyes entertained till the end of the semester, right?

    

...Wrong... So wrong. 


Your eyes linger halfheartedly on each sub-average face in the room until your fragile heart can take no more. Disappointment crashes over you in waves and you feel yourself getting dragged under the weight. After all the anticipation that's been building up in the weeks leading up to this day, it seems too cruel.


Defeated, you take your seat and the lecture begins. You walk into the same class a week later as indifferent as you were when you walked out a week ago. But something inexplicable has happened - sitting there is the most glorious guy (or gal, depending on your preferences) you've seen on campus. Hot damn. The things that happen once you rid yourself of any expectations. 


I promise this relates back to EXO's "Growl" MV release. Bear with me.  


The drama version MV for "Wolf" left me feeling immensely unsatisfied. The plot (or lack thereof) was sloppy and having to wait for the second installment after five or more weeks of waiting just got on my nerves. Once the boys released the "Growl" MV, I was hesitant because of the "Wolf" aftertaste, and so (as in the situation mentioned above), I truthfully wasn't expecting anything extraordinary. But as it so curiously turns out, I think the "Growl" MV is one of the best productions SM Entertainment has ever released. No, seriously


SEE ALSO: Revisiting some moments from EXO's 'Wolf' Drama MV


The MV uses a one-take method with a steady-cam following the boys' movements. The entire video is shot as a continuous roll of film with no edits. Prior to the release, SM had stated it'll be like watching a dance movie. It's an incredible creative gamble that actually pays off. Though there's only one backdrop, our eyes barely have the chance to glaze over. 


But what really gets me is the choreography (courtesy of renown choreographer Nick Bass). In my humble opinion, it's what makes this music video so awesome. The simultaneous fluidity and power of their movements are breathtaking and they give off a subtle maturity that wasn't as easily discernible in their "Wolf" promotions. Even if you're not a fan of EXO, it's hard to disagree with the sophistication and minimalist charm of the "Growl" MV. 


But I had to wonder, if the MV was phenomenal as a whole, would it be as phenomenal when watched in snippets?


Oh, yes. It was brilliant, and here are some of the movements that prove why:



The grandpa-shuffle sideways shuffle never looked so good. 


"Put some more back into your twerking," said Bacon Baekhyun (twerk team captain). 


"Hey girl. Whats your name?"


"Dayummm - look at the legs on that girl." 


The this-is-us-on-our-way-to-steal-your-girl prance... 



...and the this-is-us-after-your-girl-left-your-ass-for-me celebratory dance...


..."Booyah, gentlemen. That's how it's done."


This would be one of those intense ab exercises that make me want to curl up in a corner and die cry. 


"Which of you lucky ladies needs your floor cleaned?"


This movement that's intensely reminiscent of a seizure. I like it...


...and this crotch-grab-strut... I like it very much. 


Thank you, Nick Bass. 'Twas a remarkable bit to include in the choreography. 


No, Tao. You are not a gorilla. 



  1. EXO
  2. GROWL
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