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Film Out
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| "Film Out" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by BTS | ||||
| from the album BTS, the Best | ||||
| Language | Japanese | |||
| Released | April 2, 2021 | |||
| Length | 3:34 (single version) 3:36 (album version) | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters |
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| Producers |
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| BTS singles chronology | ||||
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| BTS Japanese singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Film Out" on YouTube | ||||
"Film Out" is a song recorded by South Korean boy band BTS for their Japanese-language compilation album, BTS, the Best (2021). It was released on April 2, 2021, through Universal Music and Big Hit Music, as the lead single from the compilation album.
Background and release
[edit]"Film Out" was announced by BTS on February 16, 2021, as the ending theme for Signal the Movie Cold Case Investigation Unit (2021).[1][2] The song was written by BTS member Jungkook in collaboration with the lead vocalist of Japanese rock power trio Back Number, Iyori Shimizu, and the track's producer UTA.[3][4][5] A ballad number,[4] "Film Out" was eventually revealed as the opening track on BTS' then upcoming Japanese-language compilation album, BTS, the Best; the album was released in June.[6][7] The song was released for digital download and streaming in various countries on April 2, through Universal Music Japan.[8]
Commercial performance
[edit]"Film Out" debuted at number one on Oricon's Daily Digital Singles chart dated April 2, 2021 with 23,344 downloads.[9] With only three days of availability, the song also topped the Weekly Digital Singles chart for the tracking period dated March 29–April 4 with 32,947 cumulative downloads.[10][11] "Film Out" debuted at number two on the Japan Hot 100, on the chart issue dated April 7,[12] and topped the corresponding issues for the component Download and Streaming Songs charts.[13][14] Following the release of BTS, the Best in June, the song re-entered Oricon's weekly Digital chart at number 20 with an additional 5,002 downloads sold for the period June 14–20.[15]
In the United States, with only one day of availability for the tracking week ending April 2, "Film Out" debuted at number 185 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart issue dated April 10, with 2,400 downloads sold and an accumulated 15 million streams. It was one of four BTS songs in the top-10 that week, marking the second time the group charted songs in three languages (Japanese, English, and Korean) within the same period. No other artist has achieved this since the chart's inception.[16] The following week, with its first full period of tracking from April 2–8, "Film Out" debuted on the Billboard Global 200 at number five, with 47.2 million streams and 66,000 sales, becoming BTS' fifth top-10 entry on the chart—the most among all groups since the ranking was launched. It is the first Japanese song to chart in the top five, and the second in the top 10 after LiSA's "Homura" which charted at number eight in October. The song moved up 182 spots on the Global Excl. U.S. chart to number three, with 44.3 million streams and second-week sales of 47,000 copies, marking the greatest jump on the chart by any song—the record was previously held by IU's "Celebrity" which moved up 146 spots from number 190 to 44 in February.[17] "Film Out" became the group's first Japanese-language song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, at number 81, and its 20th entry on the ranking overall.[18] With 19,000 copies sold, the song was the best-selling release of the week and topped the Digital Songs chart. This marked BTS' first Japanese-language number-one on the sales chart, sixth number-one overall, and 24th top-10 entry.[19]
Music video
[edit]The music video for the song, directed by Yong Seok Choi of Lumpens, was released to Big Hit's YouTube channel at midnight KST on April 2, 2021.[20][21] It was preceded by a trailer uploaded to the same platform on March 25.[22] The video opens to show the band inside a white-themed house, suspended in the sky.[20][23][24] In it, the members reflect on memories that they shared with one another.[24][25] Jin notices an hour-glass counting down the time they have spent together.[25] The hour-glass appears several times throughout the clip and leads up to a "dramatic" explosion that leaves the house in complete chaos.[20][24]
Credits and personnel
[edit]- BTS – vocals
- UTA – producer, songwriter, keyboards, synthesizer, sound editor, studio personnel
- Back Number – producer
- Iyori Shimizu – songwriter, electric guitar
- Jungkook – songwriter
- Masato Ishinari – acoustic guitar
- Masami Horisawa – cello
- Yuki Mizuno – cello
- Akira Murata – piano
- Shoko Mabuchi – viola
- Tomoko Shimaoka – viola
- Ayaka Notomi – violin
- Eaisung Shin – violin
- Hanako Uesato – violin
- Koichiro Muroya – violin
- Rina Odera – violin
- Shoko Oki – violin
- Tomomi Tokunaga – violin
- Yuya Yanagihara – violin
- Keita Joko – sound editor, studio personnel
- Pdogg – recording engineer, studio personnel
- Toshihiro Watanabe – recording engineer, studio personnel
- D.O.I. – mix engineer, studio personnel
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[42] | Platinum | 40,000‡ |
| Streaming | ||
| Japan (RIAJ)[43] | Platinum | 100,000,000† |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | April 2, 2021 | [8] |
References
[edit]- ^ "BTS Collaborate With Japanese Band Back Number For New Movie Theme 'Film Out'". Billboard. February 17, 2021. Archived from the original on February 17, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
- ^ Kenneally, Cerys (February 16, 2021). "BTS and Back Number have collaborated on Signal movie theme song 'Film Out'". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on February 16, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
- ^ BTSが「劇場版シグナル」主題歌でback numberとコラボ、清水依与吏とグクが楽曲制作のやり取り [BTS collaborates with back number on the theme song of 'Theatrical Version of Signal', and Iyori Shimizu and Jungkook co-composition]. Natalie (in Japanese). February 16, 2021. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
- ^ a b Hwang, You-mee (February 16, 2021). "[Today's K-pop] Kang Daniel reveals title of focus track". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on March 26, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ^ BTS×back number『劇場版シグナル』主題歌コラボ ジョングクと清水依与吏が'共作' [BTS x back number 'Theatrical version signal' theme song collaboration Jungkook and Iyori Shimizu 'co-composed'] (in Japanese). Oricon. March 26, 2021. Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ^ BTS日本リリース作品まとめた「BTS, THE BEST」発売、新曲「Film out」や「Dynamite」も収録 [BTS to release BTS, THE BEST in Japan, including new songs 'Film out' and 'Dynamite']. Natalie (in Japanese). March 26, 2021. Archived from the original on March 25, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
- ^ BTSのベスト盤『BTS, THE BEST』が6/16発売決定、back numberとのコラボ「Film out」も収録 [BTS's greatest hits compilation album BTS, THE BEST will be released on 6/16, including a collaboration with Back Number 'Film out']. Billboard Japan (in Japanese). March 26, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
- ^ a b Digital release of "Film Out" in various countries:
- "Film Out – Single by BTS". Apple Music (AU). Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- "BTSの「Film Out – Single" (in Japanese). Apple Music (JP). Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- "Film Out – Single by BTS". Apple Music (GB). Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- "Film Out – Single by BTS". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ^ "Film Out" cumulative sales:
- デイリー デジタルシングル(単曲)ランキング [Oricon Daily Digital Single ranking April 2, 2021] (in Japanese). Oricon. April 2, 2021. Archived from the original on April 3, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- デイリー デジタルシングル(単曲)ランキング [Oricon Daily Digital Single ranking April 3, 2021] (in Japanese). Oricon. April 3, 2021. Archived from the original on April 4, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
- デイリー デジタルシングル(単曲)ランキング [Oricon Daily Digital Single ranking April 4, 2021] (in Japanese). Oricon. April 4, 2021. Archived from the original on April 6, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
- ^ BTS、最新曲「Film out」が自身初のデジタルシングル1位獲得【オリコンランキング】 [BTS's latest song 'Film out' won first place, their first digital single [Oricon Ranking]] (in Japanese). Oricon. April 7, 2021. Archived from the original on April 7, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
- ^ BTS新曲「Film out」がグループ初の週間シングルランク1位獲得 [BTS' new song 'Film out' won the group first place on the weekly single ranking]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). April 7, 2021. Archived from the original on April 6, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
- ^ "Billboard Japan Hot 100 [ 2021/04/07 公開]". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 8, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
- ^ 【ビルボード】BTS「Film out」DLソング初登場1位、NiziU「Take a picture」が2位に続く [[Billboard] BTS 'Film out' achieves 1st place on DL song chart, first appearance; NiziU 'Take a picture' earns 2nd place]. Billboard Japan (in Japanese). April 7, 2021. Archived from the original on April 8, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
- ^ 【ビルボード】BTS「Film out」初のストリーミング首位 Apple CMソング起用のMom「あかるいみらい」も初登場 [[Billboard] BTS 'Film Out' first streaming leader Mom 'Akari Mirai' with Apple CM song also appeared for the first time]. Billboard Japan (in Japanese). April 14, 2021. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
- ^ 週間 デジタルシングル(単曲)ランキング 2021年06月28日付 (2021年06月14日~2021年06月20日) [Weekly digital single (single song) ranking Dated June 28, 2021 (June 14, 2021 to June 20, 2021)] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ Frankenberg, Eric (April 8, 2021). "BTS Go Tri-Lingual on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Chart With Debut of 'Film Out'". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 8, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
- ^ Trust, Gary (April 12, 2021). "Lil Nas X's 'Montero' & Justin Bieber's 'Peaches' Top Billboard Global Charts, BTS' 'Film Out' Hits Top 5". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
- ^ McIntyre, Hugh (April 12, 2021). "BTS Hit The Hot 100 In Japanese For The First Time With 'Film Out'". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
- ^ McIntyre, Hugh (April 12, 2021). "BTS Replace Themselves At No. 1 On The Sales Chart With 'Film Out'". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
- ^ a b c Yeo, Gladys (April 2, 2021). "BTS drop cinematic video for new Japanese single 'Film Out'". NME. Archived from the original on April 2, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ^ BTS、back numberとのコラボ曲「Film out」MVで繊細な表現 半日で1800万再生突破 [Delicate expression in MV of collaboration song 'Film out' between BTS and Back Number, Over 18 million views in half a day] (in Japanese). Oricon. April 2, 2021. Archived from the original on April 2, 2021. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ Okon, Wongo (April 1, 2021). "BTS Reminisce On Their Good Times Together In The Video For 'Film Out'". Uproxx. Archived from the original on April 2, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ^ a b c Mamo, Heran (April 1, 2021). "BTS Reflect on their Fragmented Memories in 'Film Out' Music Video". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ^ a b Schaffer, Claire (April 2, 2021). "BTS Contemplate Time and the Cosmos in 'Film Out' Music Video". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 2, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ^ "Credits / Film Out / BTS". Tidal. Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ^ "BTS Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
- ^ "BTS Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
- ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
- ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
- ^ "BTS Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
- ^ "Weekly Combined Singles Chart – April 19, 2021" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
- ^ "2021 14-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. April 9, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
- ^ "BTS – Film Out". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
- ^ "RIAS International Top Charts Week 14". Recording Industry Association (Singapore). Archived from the original on April 13, 2021.
- ^ "2021년 14주차 Download Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
- ^ "BTS Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
- ^ "World Digital Song Sales (The week of April 17, 2021)". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
- ^ "Billboard Japan Hot 100 Year-End 2021". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
- ^ "Brazilian single certifications – BTS – Film Out" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ "Japanese single streaming certifications – BTS – Film Out (Streaming)" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved January 26, 2022. Select 2021年12月 on the drop-down menu
Film Out
View on GrokipediaBackground and development
Announcement and writing
"Film Out" was announced by BTS on February 16, 2021, through social media channels as the ending theme song for the Japanese film Signal the Movie: Cold Case Investigation Unit, a story centered on detectives solving long-unsolved mysteries by connecting past and present events.[9][10] The song's writing credits list BTS member Jungkook as a co-writer and co-composer alongside Japanese musician Iyori Shimizu of the rock band Back Number, with production handled by UTA.[4][2] Jungkook contributed significantly to the melody, proposing adjustments to a demo provided by Shimizu to craft an emotional ballad that evokes lingering memories and unresolved emotions, aligning with the film's exploration of cold cases and haunting pasts.[2][9] This collaboration built on BTS's prior involvement with the Signal franchise, following their 2018 contribution of "Don't Leave Me" for the original TV series, and positioned "Film Out" as the lead single for their upcoming Japanese compilation album BTS, the Best, scheduled for release on June 16, 2021.[9]Recording and production
The recording of "Film Out" took place primarily at Dogg Bounce Studios in Seoul, South Korea, where producer Pdogg handled much of the vocal and rap recording for BTS members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.[11] Additional recording occurred at Bunkamura Studio in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, under engineer Toshihiro Watanabe.[11][12] The production was led by UTA and the Japanese band back number (primarily Iyori Shimizu), with UTA also handling the arrangement, keyboards, synthesizer, and digital editing alongside Keita Joko.[4][11] Live instrumentation was incorporated to enhance the ballad's emotional depth, featuring acoustic guitar by Masato Ishinari, electric guitar by Iyori Shimizu, acoustic piano by Akira Murata, and strings including top violin by Koichiro Muroya and violoncellos by Masami Horisawa and Yuki Mizuno.[11] Pdogg contributed vocal and rap arrangement, ensuring the group's layered harmonies were captured effectively during tracking sessions.[11] Jungkook, who co-wrote the song, participated actively in the production process.[4] In post-production, the track was mixed by D.O.I. at Daimonion Recordings, with project coordination by a team including Kyoko Teradate, Shigenobu Otsuji, Takeshi Fujita, Tomo Fukazawa, and Yuko Ishizeki.[11] The single version clocks in at 3:34, finalized for digital release through Big Hit Music and Universal Music Japan.[13]Music and lyrics
Composition
"Film Out" is classified as a Japanese-language pop ballad incorporating soft rock elements, characterized by its emotional depth and minimalist arrangement. The song features prominent acoustic guitar riffs alongside piano and orchestral strings, creating a melancholic atmosphere that builds gradually to a climactic swell. This stylistic choice draws from J-pop traditions while aligning with BTS's emotive performance approach, emphasizing vulnerability through subtle instrumentation.[14] The track follows a verse-chorus structure, beginning with a sparse intro of piano chords in a minor key, progressing through verses, pre-chorus build-up, anthemic chorus, rap verses, a bridge with heightened intensity, and a fading outro that strips back to minimal elements. It is composed in B♭ major with a time signature of 4/4 and a tempo of approximately 82 BPM, allowing for a deliberate, introspective pace that enhances its ballad form. This structure permits dynamic shifts, such as instrumental pull-backs to spotlight vocals, contributing to its distinct emotional arc.[14][15] Vocally, the song showcases harmonized performances by all seven BTS members, with Jungkook delivering the clear lead on the intro and prominent verses, complemented by Jimin's layered harmonies and falsetto accents in the higher registers. V provides contrasting lower tones in the chorus, while RM, Suga, and J-Hope contribute distinct rap flows in dedicated sections; Jin adds high-pitched ad-libs in the bridge, and hidden backing vocals emerge in the outro for added depth. This arrangement highlights the group's collective vocal synergy, blending solo leads with rich, multi-part harmonies to convey intimacy and longing.[14][16] The composition blends J-pop ballad conventions, evident in its heartfelt melody co-written with Japanese rock band back number, with BTS's signature emotional delivery, resulting in a cinematic quality tailored to its role as the theme for the film Signal the Movie: Cold Case Investigation Unit. Produced by back number and UTA, the track's orchestral strings and soulful guitar—penned by back number's Iyori Shimizu—evoke a filmic narrative, prioritizing atmospheric tension over dense production.[14][17][18]Themes and lyrics
"Film Out" centers on the theme of longing for a lost love, portraying memories as fragile, vivid projections akin to films that fade upon contact, evoking a sense of bittersweet separation and acceptance.[19] The lyrics depict an emotional struggle to preserve these recollections, with the narrator piecing together fragmented moments from the heart, only to confront their impermanence. Key lines, such as "You, in my imagination / Are so vivid, oh-oh / As if you are right there / But I reach out my hand / And you suddenly disappear," illustrate the motif of imagination blurring with reality, where the beloved appears tangible yet slips away, heightening the pain of absence.[20] This imagery extends to the chorus: "From all the memories stored in my heart / I gather up the ones of you, link them together / Gazing at them projected across the room / I feel you with every burst of pain," emphasizing nostalgia intertwined with heartache.[21] Interpretations of the song highlight its exploration of emotional reconciliation, where sadness coexists with a quiet reassurance derived from enduring bonds, possibly reflecting broader narratives of growth and farewell in BTS's discography.[19] The verses evoke unfulfilled promises and decaying emotions, as in "Decay too far gone absorbing no light or water / Sealing my wounded heart with a rootless, leafless vow," symbolizing a vow that cannot take root without the other person, underscoring themes of isolation and the passage of time.[20] Co-writer Jungkook's involvement infuses personal introspection, blending vulnerability with hope, as the track reassures that even in disappearance, the essence of the connection persists through sensory echoes like whispers and warmth.[22] Overall, the lyrics convey a universal appeal in processing heartbreak, where acceptance emerges from acknowledging the beauty and transience of shared history.[21] Composed in Japanese by Iyori Shimizu of back number in collaboration with Jungkook, "Film Out" was crafted to resonate with the audience of the film Signal the Movie: Cold Case Investigation Unit, for which it serves as the ending theme, while its themes of loss and memory transcend linguistic barriers to evoke global empathy.[17] This choice enhances the song's intimate, reflective tone, allowing the raw emotion of separation to connect deeply with Japanese listeners familiar with the source material, yet its heartfelt universality ensures broad interpretive layers for international fans grappling with similar experiences of farewell.[2]Release and promotion
Single release
"Film Out" was released as a digital single on April 2, 2021, by Universal Music Japan and Big Hit Music, serving as the lead single for the Japanese compilation album BTS, the Best, which followed on June 16, 2021.[23][24] The track marked BTS's second Japanese-language digital single, succeeding "Stay Gold" from 2020.[25] Available initially through digital download and streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music, the single enabled global access upon release.[26] Physical formats were introduced later via inclusion on the BTS, the Best album's CD and DVD editions, distributed exclusively in Japan. The distribution strategy emphasized immediate worldwide digital availability to coincide with the song's role as the ending theme for the film Signal the Movie.[23]| Date | Region | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2, 2021 | Worldwide | Digital download, streaming | Universal Music Japan, Big Hit Music |
| June 16, 2021 | Japan | CD, DVD (album inclusion) | Universal Music Japan, Big Hit Music |
Promotional activities
"Film Out" served as the ending theme for the Japanese film Signal the Movie: Cold Case Investigation Unit, released on April 2, 2021, creating promotional synergy through the inclusion of song snippets in the movie's trailer, which debuted on February 16, 2021.[2] This tie-in built anticipation by integrating the track into film marketing materials, leveraging the popularity of the original Korean series Signal and its Japanese adaptation to cross-promote both the movie and BTS's new single.[21] Pre-release teasers began with a preview snippet featured in the film's promotional trailer on February 16, 2021, followed by an official teaser video released on March 25, 2021, via BTS's social media channels and YouTube, showcasing ethereal visuals of the members to heighten excitement.[2][27] Big Hit Music and BTS amplified the rollout through coordinated social media campaigns on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, sharing countdown posts, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and member-specific content to engage fans globally ahead of the digital single's launch. Additional promotion included buildup to Japanese media appearances, with announcements teasing the track's role in the film during early TV spots and variety show segments in March 2021, fostering local interest.[2] Merchandise tied to the single was integrated into the broader rollout for BTS's Japanese compilation album BTS, the Best, featuring limited-edition posters, photocards, and apparel sold through official stores like the Weverse Shop starting in April 2021.[1] For global outreach, Big Hit Music released official English-subtitled lyrics on HYBE Insights shortly after the single's debut, allowing international fans to connect with the song's emotional narrative.[28] Fan engagement was further boosted via Weverse, where BTS shared exclusive updates, lyric interpretations, and interactive posts encouraging ARMY to discuss the track's themes in real-time communities.[20]Music video
Production
The music video for "Film Out" was directed by Yong Seok Choi of Lumpens, the in-house visual creative division of Big Hit Music (now HYBE Labels), with key crew including director of photography Eumko and art directors Bona Kim and Jinsil Park from MU:E.[4] The production utilized a minimalist white house set suspended in the sky to evoke isolation and introspection, incorporating practical props such as an hourglass to symbolize the passage of time, while the explosive climax was achieved through visual effects supervised by OHZEON at PLASTIC BEACH.[4][19] The concept was developed around a visual metaphor for fading memories and inevitable separation, directly aligning with the song's themes of bittersweet parting and fragmented recollections.[19] BTS members contributed to the styling by appearing in coordinated all-white attire to reinforce the ethereal, dreamlike quality, and they participated in the narrative framing and minimal choreography elements during principal photography.[3] Filming occurred in early 2021, tightly scheduled to coincide with the single's rollout.[4] In post-production, editing emphasized dramatic pacing to build tension toward the central explosion, with color grading focused on soft whites and pastel tones to heighten the sense of ephemerality and emotional distance.[4][19] The video premiered simultaneously with the single on April 2, 2021, via HYBE Labels' official YouTube channel.[4]Synopsis and visual style
The music video for "Film Out" opens with the seven BTS members positioned within a surreal, suspended white house floating in a vast, ethereal void, evoking a sense of isolation and introspection.[3] Jin, depicted from behind or through mirrors, approaches a window overlooking the group seated harmoniously together, while they engage in subtle interactions that hint at shared memories and emotional bonds.[29] Throughout, an hourglass serves as a central motif, with sand flowing and occasionally reversing, symbolizing the passage and manipulation of time; individual scenes intercut personal vignettes, such as V contemplating toppled chess pieces beside the hourglass, Suga and J-Hope positioned back-to-back in a doorway, and Jimin wandering a misty forest, building a narrative of longing and separation.[30] The plot progresses toward fragmentation, as the members sense disturbances through the hourglass—sand falling erratically—and Jin's room erupts in an explosive burst of light and debris, mirroring motifs of destruction and release from past attachments, ultimately leading to the group's gradual disappearance into the void.[29][30] Directed by Yong Seok Choi, the video employs a cinematic visual style characterized by wide, framing shots that emphasize the house's precarious suspension against expansive skies, blending realism with dreamlike surrealism through slow-motion sequences of falling sand and fragmented memory flashes.[4] Symbolic imagery, including reversed hourglass flows and mirrored reflections that distort perspectives, underscores themes of temporal flux and emotional disconnection, while brief choreography segments highlight moments of unity amid isolation, with members reaching toward one another in synchronized, fluid movements.[3][30] The editing mimics the "film out" concept of the song through abrupt reel-like cuts and color shifts—from cool blues and whites to warm yellows and reds during climactic tension—reinforcing a motif of memories unspooling like celluloid.[29] The wardrobe, predominantly white and flowing, contributes to an ethereal, otherworldly aesthetic that enhances the video's haunting, introspective tone. Running 4:17 in length, it premiered on YouTube via Big Hit Music's official channel on April 2, 2021.[3][4]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Film Out" achieved significant chart success internationally upon its release, particularly in Japan and on global rankings. It debuted at number one on Oricon's daily digital singles chart in Japan, marking BTS's strong performance in the market for Japanese-language releases. On Billboard Japan Hot 100, the track entered at number two for the week dated April 7, 2021, and maintained a presence on the chart for 30 weeks. Globally, it reached number five on the Billboard Global 200 in its first full tracking week ending April 8, 2021, becoming BTS's fifth top 10 hit on that ranking. In the United States, "Film Out" debuted at number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated April 17, 2021, representing the group's first entry with a Japanese-language song on the chart. The song also topped several component and sales-based charts. It debuted at number one on both the Billboard Digital Song Sales and World Digital Song Sales charts, making it BTS's first Japanese track to lead the former and their 27th number one on the latter. For the year-end Billboard Japan Hot 100 of 2021, "Film Out" ranked at number 54, reflecting its sustained popularity in Japan throughout the year.| Chart | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| Oricon Daily Digital Singles (Japan) | 1 | - |
| Billboard Japan Hot 100 | 2 | 30 |
| Billboard Global 200 | 5 | 20+ |
| Billboard Hot 100 (US) | 81 | 1 |
| Billboard Digital Song Sales (US) | 1 | - |
| Billboard World Digital Song Sales | 1 | - |
Sales and certifications
"Film Out" garnered strong digital sales upon its release, debuting at number one on Japan's Oricon Daily Digital Singles Chart with 23,344 downloads on April 2, 2021, marking BTS's highest first-day digital sales in the country at the time. Globally, the track amassed over 100 million streams on Spotify within 107 days of its release, becoming the fastest Japanese-language song by any artist to reach this milestone on the platform. As of November 2025, it has surpassed 281 million streams on Spotify.[31] In Japan, "Film Out" was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) in January 2022 for exceeding 100 million streams and gold for 100,000 digital downloads in July 2021.[8][32] The song's music video surpassed 100 million views on YouTube by April 29, 2021, achieving this faster than any prior Japanese-language video by BTS. As of November 2025, it has over 236 million views.[4] As the lead single from the compilation album BTS, the Best, "Film Out" bolstered the project's performance, with the album selling 992,837 physical copies in Japan throughout 2021 according to Oricon data.Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Japan (RIAJ) [Digital download] | Gold | 100,000 |
| Japan (RIAJ) [Streaming] | Platinum | 100,000,000† |
