From their youthful days as hopeful buskers in Hongdae, Seoul in 2012 up to their phenomenal headlining performance at Coachella in 2024, The Rose: Come Back to Me bares the band’s aspirations, struggles and triumphs over the years. Woosung, Dojoon, Hajoon and Taegyeom spilled their hearts out during the commentaries, presenting the unfiltered side of their story as a band. It delves deep into their connection with each other, their music and of course, their fans, the Black Roses. The documentary movie is a compelling watch not only for their fans, but even for plain music enthusiasts.

I’ve seen The Rose live twice. The first time was during We Rose You at the Samsung Hall in 2019 – four Korean guys forming a buzzing rock band. Their stage set-up was similar to that of a bar, a makeshift banner with their band and tour name hanging at the back as their backdrop. Their music were of the pop-rock mold with a slightly sweet K-pop flavor, Woosung’s raspy voice echoing the yearning and angst of early adulthood.

Then, fast forward to 2024: the second time I saw them was during their Dawn to Dusk Tour at Big Dome – a much wider stage with flashy, burning lights matched with massive LED screens projecting animated effects all throughout the show. Their music had evolved significantly – their lyrics were now talking about healing and positivity, their beats and riffs now roaring to launch a whole stadium into a frenzy not far of from an EDM party.

The giant leap in The Rose’s two concerts was always a bit of a mystery to me until I saw the movie. It was, quite simply, the story of how The Rose started as bud blossomed into a mammoth of a flower, spreading out their music into the vast world. Definitely worth a watch!

“The Rose: Come Back To Me” screens exclusively at @AyalaMalls Cinemas from February 14 to 20.