Girls’ Generation’s Music Video – “Lion Heart” Review

Reviewed on September 1, 2015

Girls’ Generation – Lion Heart (Music Video)

Personal Message: With college occurring in less than a week (as of the time of this sentence), I have been busy organizing and retrieving materials, finishing write-ups, and for other events, collaborating with a friend for subtitling a video, and therefore, was unable to write for a few days. Also, for a side note, I may, in a video, share my current feelings regarding university, and for what readers may be interested in, advice regarding careers and future goals. On topic, with everything nearly cleared, I am returning to writing reviews, and specifically, for a partially requested one: Girls’ Generation’s “Lion Heart.” Clarifying the term of  “partially,” I am stating such as, though a reader did request both of the group’s latest songs, “Lion Heart” and “You Think,” solely the latter will be reviewed in a standard song format. For “Lion Heart,” I have personally decided to review its music video for the purpose of time and variety.

Addressing the music video, besides regretfully watching it at night and getting hungry, I absolutely adore it. From a biased standpoint, I find the plot and layout to be incredibly alluring and comical (and more seriously, empowering, as to be discussed), but even from a realistic perspective, higher ratings would still be justified. Though to be explained within the review itself, with a significant plot twist occurring, the music video is able to retain a higher score. If it were not for the drastic change in story, statistically, “Lion Heart” would fare equally to ZE:A J’s “Marry Me” ‘s music video. In essence, both videos are identical: every character (member) is followed with their own romantic scenario. Differently, however, with “Lion Heart,” rather than a plot instilled with pure, sweet romance, bitterness appears at the end, and that change is valuable.

To already digress, with mentioning how the music video is empowering (for readers who wish for the review, skip ahead), intentional or not, the video sheds light onto a prevalent issue: sexism, but more specifically, subtle sexism. “Sexism comes with a smile,” as the phrase is, and with the term “phrase,” to prevent copyright related issues, if correct, I am referencing an article title. On a more serious note, however, to utilize the mentioned phrase, Girls’ Generation’s video highlights it. Furthermore, with this topic, other oppressions are also truly uncovered: racism, classism, and so forth. Often time these oppressions are rendered as blunt, heinous acts, but in reality, that is not always the case, and realistically, many of these social issues are discreet.

To bring an understandable example, racism tends to provide the most clarity. Derogatory remarks, physical assaults, and similar, blatant acts fueled by racism appear as the main forms of it, but seldom are, for examples, remarks of “Asians are math geniuses” or “I love Koreans” regarded as racist. Very few incidents, in fact, are intentionally racist, but many are subconsciously, hence why education should appear versus aggressive retaliation and defensiveness (as to be discussed in the next review), but specifically for the upcoming discussion, why understanding what oppression (sexism, racism, etc.) truly is, in the context of appearances, needs to be discussed. Offering a final example, as a few readers may already connote the prior examples as racist, for a more complex one, especially in the lens of America, police provide such. Many now correlate police officers as racist people: it is assumed that police officers wake up and look out into the horizon, hands on hip and gun handle, and that they will state, “What a great day to shoot down a non-White civilian.”

Although, due to human diversity, there will always be officers that are, indeed, ominously racist, in truth, many are not–on the conscious level (and this applies to every human). Yet, if the prior statement is true, then police brutality cases affecting predominantly minoritized races would cease. This is where the discussion of “oppression comes with a smile” appears. To continue the current example, while a significant, vast majority of police officers are not consciously racist, in a life-and-death, high-stress situation, subconsciousness takes over, and sadly, in that state of mind, the officers may be racist, and that is not their fault. It derives from society. It derives from society showcasing, and perpetuating, the idea that, for example, African Americans are “gangsters” and “dangerous.” Needless to say, that standard is incredibly racist and pathetic, but returning to the main point, subconscious oppression matters and needs to be equally addressed as conscious, blatant oppression.

To now fully focus on subconscious sexism as it relates to this review directly (though not to say it is not worth discussing how racism, classism, and other oppressions break down; even if a topic is indirectly related to a review, it is worth ruminating over, and in another review, “intersectionality” will be discussed), “Lion Heart” ‘s music video is a perfect depiction of it. Specifically with “sexism comes with a smile,” to continue usage of the phrase, a few reviews have already partially dived into the topic: a show review on “Channel Fiestar” and even at an older music video review. Nevertheless, a full discussion will now take place, and perfectly, with “Lion Heart” as example.

First, in isolation, Lion’s acts (for simplicity, the lion character’s created name will be unembellished) in themselves are genuinely friendly. Essentially, per Girls’ Generation member, a very kind gesture was made. On the surface, Lion cannot be sexist; Lion cannot be assumed as sexist when, for one, he has permission from the ladies, and secondly, his sweet acts and gifts are all delightful. Unfortunately, he is certainly sexist. Unequivocally sexist. The reason for such is his “kind” gestures, ironically, are motivated by a horrendous one: winning women, as if women are trophies and objects to be won (refer to “Channel Fiestar” ‘s review for more information). Thus, Girls’ Generation’s music video deserves much praise for its given message. Easily, the song could have potentially adopted ZE:A J’s video’s route: pure, perfect love. Instead, the music video director opted to showcase a live, active social issue, and implicitly, she/he delivers a potent message through the members’ acting: it is not acceptable to be “sexist with a smile.” After all, doing so results in having Hyoyeon decapitate males no rewards, but instead, beatings and hatred.

Now, although the music video has been shortly analyzed, it would be pitiful to end the discussion at that point when many other highly subtle acts are still rife. With “Lion Heart” giving perfect background, more examples will be presented: “I can’t hit you since you’re a girl”; “I’ll pay for the dinner since you’re a girl”; “I’ll be the one to ask you out since you’re the girl”; “I’ll handle all the physical work since you’re a girl.” Certainly, many other phrases exist, but these appear as common ones that would grant more insight into “sexism with a smile.” Reiterating the prior paragraph, these acts seem sweet; the listed acts would seem endearing as it saves females money, hassles, and gives protection. False. And false privileges. Though these points appear as privilege, to state that females are privileged would be to state questionable, cheesy jokes from my high school professor a joke. Females are not privileged. Males are. “Sexism with a smile,” as given by the list, merely covers real privilege and attempts to veil current gender inequities.

Finally critiquing each of those statements, all are heavily rooted in sexism. Those seemingly charming acts are not so once deconstructed. In terms of “I can’t hit you since you’re a girl,” it is laugh-inducing. If that statement is true, there is definitely a flaw as females are, in fact, abundantly physically hit by boys, as given by domestic violence statistics, and though not exactly “hit,” cases of rape and sexual assault, of which are physical harm. Therefore, already, that phrase is moot. Besides the hypocrisy in those words, there is still sexism involved: asking why. Why are males unallowed to hurt females (though, again, many boys fail to follow the standard in the first place). Similar to the “trophy” idea, the same could also translate: females cannot be hit as it would be hitting a trophy, and thus, harming an object is certainly wrong. Jocularly, rather than “I can’t hit you since you’re a human being,” it is “girl” as, inequitably and wrongly, that can be objectified.

Progressing on, for the phrase of “I’ll pay for the dinner since you’re a girl,” and homogeneously, “I’ll be the one to ask you out since you’re the girl,” though money lost and social trepidation are prevented, and thus, the phrases appear as benefits, once again, sexism is stemmed from. Incapability is what is implied, specifically when tied to gender norms. There is a momentous difference between casually paying and paying on the basis of gender, the latter being what the phrase is focusing on (I will clarify differences between genuine acts later). With males deciding to be the payer as “it is a man’s role,” doing so is, discreetly, stating that females cannot afford to pay for themselves (though gender wage disparities is another topic), and more critically, that, in general, females cannot take care of themselves. In terms of the second phrase, the same trend is followed: females are helpless and passive, and resultly, that males must always take the initiative, such as for proposal. Even the final phrase of “I’ll handle all the physical work since you’re a girl” follows suit.

Now, to address a rebuttal that this may be overly sensitizing the phrases, to clarify, these acts should not be prohibited. There is nothing wrong, in itself, with a male deciding to propose first, or for another example, to entirely handle heavy physical labor. What is worthy of scrutinizing is the motive for such. After all, stealing Tiffany’s words, “Ladies,” and of course, gentlemen, “y’all know what I’m talking about, right?” Sexism and genuine kindness are easily differentiated. If a man’s reason for entirely paying a dinner is due to it being a gift for a beloved partner, there is no issue. However, if, in opposite, it was motivated not on the premise of being affectionate, but instead, because of having to comply with “being a man,” issues are present. Likewise, for individually handling physical labor, if the justification resides with being kind and sparing a partner from sores versus, for example, the pressure to utterly “protect” a female since that is a “man’s job,” then it is fine.

Overall, the main message is not to prohibit males from sweet acts, but rather, to bring awareness to subtle sexism. Males’ kind acts towards females should be exactly such; whenever a male decides to do a friendly favor for a female, it should not be fueled by “winning” females or expecting to receive a date, but instead, because kindness is always worthy of granting and spreading. Males should not hit females simply since “they are girls,” males should not hit females because no human deserves to be physically assaulted. Males should not pay for entire meals because it is a “man’s role,” but because it is always sweet to pay for anyone’s meal. Similarly, males should not feel pressured to be the proposer because of gender norms, but instead, since they want to create a (hopefully) romantic situation for a dearly loved  person. Lastly, for females, subtle sexism should also be disengaged: females should also be willing to propose first and to pay entirely for meals, as breaking down current standards equally challenges, and removes, sexism. It is all about shifting sincere, sweet acts to being stemmed in actual kindness and not inequitable norms.

Digression aside, to finally return to Girls’ Generation’s “Lion Heart,” repeating the earlier praise, this music video deserves much positive attention for its message that promotes equity for both males and females. Additionally, if not for the more veiled aspect to the video, for the blatant layer, female protagonists and showcasing that femininity is as desired as masculinity are always empowering points as, sadly, the opposites are exceptionally more common. On topic with the review itself, with high visual appeal and an equally pleasing plot, the ladies’ latest music video can be predicted to score well.

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Plot Score: 6/10

Though to explain at the end, this review has been delayed momentously. University is beginning tomorrow, and therefore, I will be busy (and already was), but optimistically, more studious times will exist for peaceful writing. Updates aside, before critiquing the music video’s plot, a personal, short summary will be given so that readers understand where criticism, if any, will derive from.

“Lion Heart” begins with eight characters (Girls’ Generation) enjoying pizza. Soon, the ladies decide to watch a film, of which the music video then adopts for its main content. After a transition, Yoona, a character (members’ names will be used for simplicity), is seen holding a ticket close to her. It is not the ticket she treasures, but rather, the love-interest who gave it: a boy named “Lion” (or at least will now be named as such), as to be discovered later.

Continuing, in a new scene, Taeyeon is introduced, and also, Lion as well. Taeyeon instantly becomes captivated by his appearance. Afterwards, identical to Taeyeon, Sooyoung also falls for Lion’s appearance as, while busy with her painting, his arrival leads to utter shock. Yoona is then shown again, though at a point prior to receiving the ticket: she is bored on a train ride until Lion visits her. Predictably, similar scenes are disclosed, though different in scenarios: Tiffany has Lion repair her broken car; Seohyun, reading in a cafe, has Lion catch her book before it hits the floor; Sunny, a bakery shop owner, bumps into Lion, but in response, he kindly picks up her dropped items; Hyoyeon, during a solo picnic, has Lion abruptly appearing and offering her wine though, realistically and to ruin the plot’ mood, this scene is rather “creepy” as this stranger is excessively intimate; and lastly, Yuri and Lion are observed in a boat where Lion performs music and magic.

Hastily progressing to changes in story, Lion now gives a date to every member for, assumingly, when to meet him. Every member is witnessed with her own way of receiving: Yuri gets the date to appear on her cloth due to a magic trick; Seohyun has it written in her novel; Taeyeon, simply, has a paper slip given; Tiffany, during a drive, had Lion tell her (or that he completely changed out her license plate to show the date, but this being more unrealistic); Sooyoung discovers the date in a portrait of herself, of which Lion drew; Yoona, as reflected at the music video’s beginning, received a ticket with the date; and lastly, Hyoyeon and Sunny, while ambiguous on how they received their notes, it can be assumed they have also.

Fast forwarding, the members are all now at a train station to, based on their notes, meet Lion. Interestingly, a strange incident occurs: all of the ladies are in the same scene. Lion’s romantic acts were not exclusive per member. Eventually, Yoona discovers him, conspicuously, hiding behind a newspaper, and shortly after, the remaining characters gather. Confusion exists, but solely for a few seconds: upon them realizing that Lion delivered “sexism with a smile,” they all decided to remove said smile. After some physical hitting on Lion, his phonebook drops. Planned, multiple dates, are written, and now with even more anger, the ladies continue chasing him.

Ultimately, for the music video’s conclusion, it showcases Lion attempting to reconcile with the characters, but, clearly, it is all in vain. Whether through Yoona ignoring him as he attempts to chase after her train, or a tearful Yuri elbowing him and smacking him with an oar, or even Tiffany exploiting his ruined state to clean her car, Lion will not repair relationships, and rightfully so. Focusing on the very end, the music video returns to the outside plot of the eight friends enjoying a movie, though now all are asleep. Jocularly, they wake up to a nightmare: Lion is there in the room (perhaps to showcase that “Lion” is, indeed, a person who can exist in life). Like the ladies in their movie, they all begin hitting him, and from there, it can be happily assumed Lion would never pester anyone again.

– Analysis: Boring summary aside, though, as explained, it helps maintain understanding for what will now occur, for a score to the plot, a six for slightly above average will hold.

Addressing positive aspects to the plot, for the earlier phase, the eight varying scenarios of romance bring multiple benefits. Each member can be examined for their case and how supposed love unfolded, and furthermore, with each scenario significantly differing from the rest, the diversity grants automatic appeal. Nonetheless, in the end, with solely this part, like the prior music video review, a lower score would hold. While romantic and delightful, the plot lacks depth; the first section of “Lion Heart” merely discloses basic, flirtatious stories. No conflicts were present, and though each member’s scene is unique in itself, overall, all are still within identical styles.

That stated, the score is a six and not, for example, a four. A plot twist occurs, hence the higher rating. Upon the climactic point of the characters all encountering Lion, humor, distinction, and actual happenings are all present, and these attributes allow the plot to become enticing. Versus the chronological, repetitive nature of the plot’s earlier stage, the plot twist brings flexibility; the plot to “Lion Heart” is no longer of pure romance, but, jocularly, pure hatred. However, even with a welcomed surprise, the plot still fails to contain high complexity, and thus, no higher numerical rating will be given,  though not to discredit a six. In the end, the plot is still relatively linear, especially when accounting for how scenes, after the climactic point, replicate prior ones. Varied from earlier ones, the later scenes showcase hate versus attraction, but nevertheless, the same, linear sequenced shots still occur.

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Structural Score: 8/10

Switching to “Lion Heart” ‘s structural score, as foreshadowed for a majority of music videos, visual appeal is excellent. Although the plot remains moreover stagnant, visual content, conversely, remains exceptionally diverse. A plethora of backgrounds, as displayed per member’s scenario, and additionally, the various, chic and stunning clothing and makeup sets each member possessed, contribute to the music  video’s visual appeal. Each background, though akin to one another in the sense of theme and time, can  still be rendered as individual. For examples, Tiffany’s car scene provided an outdoor, road context, and in contrast, Sunny’s scene included an indoor area, and also, beautiful colors. Similarly, Girls’ Generation’s fashion follow equal trends: varied yet all are chic and captivating.

Besides blatant visual content, the structuring of said content is also endearing. Though traditional, “Lion Heart” utilizes an effective format: alternating between plot and choreography. Reiterating prior points in ZE:A J’s review of “Marry Me,” with the constant switching, additional visuals are able to be added, and with those additions, constant stimulation is maintained. Elaborating, due to the choreography being included, new types of scenes are granted: dancing becomes the main focus, and with such, new backgrounds and fashion are brought, all of which create more visual appeal as differences are unveiled. Adding on, for moreover what delivers and maintains high stimulation, shorter durations and hasty alternating of scenes can be credited. Minimal time exists to dissect a scene thoroughly, and thus, curiosity naturally accumulates, but with entirely new, alluring scenes occurring in a few seconds, the mentioned curiosity fails to fade.

An eight will hold as the structural score to “Lion Heart.” Visually, the music video is fabulous. From scenery to clothing, to acting and dancing, the video in the category of visuals is, basically phrased, good.

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Overall Score: 7/10 (7/10 raw score)

To confess, slight rushing did occur. However, considering music video reviews are bonuses, it is not entirely troubling. Truthfully, I am yearning to begin standard song reviews once again, and optimistically, many are to arrive (realistically, however, the usual rate of one or two per week may be it). Attention towards one of Girls’ Generation’s latest music videos, “Lion Heart” averages at a seven, of which indicates it is above average, and that is agreeable. While a “best” music video is nonexistent for my personal list, “Lion Heart” does reside with a few favorites, such as Juniel’s “I Think I’m In Love” (I may review her latest song). Overall, it is a respectable music video.

Leaving final remarks, for one, I greatly apologize for this review’s delay. University has started, and I have attended my first day. If time permits, I will share the experiences, but in short, I am loving college. With a more definite schedule in place, I have found a perfect time for reviews, and depending on how productive I am, many can be expected. That said, schoolwork will always, blatantly, be prioritized. Nevertheless, I do feel regretful for the delay and am thankful for readers’ patience. Also, thank you for reading, whether skimmed or read entirely. For the requester, though not in a standard song review, I do hope this review is still accepted. Thank you for your patience and for sending in the requests. “You Think” will be reviewed soon, though for purpose of reorientating with song reviews, it may be delayed for one song. Apologies if that occurs.

Summing up updates, more reviews are to come. For purpose of speed and due to personal critiques, 4Minute’s Hyuna’s comeback of “Roll Deep/Because I’m The Best” is most likely to be reviewed, but afterwards, I will, hopefully, return to finish the current request. Regardless, look forward to upcoming reviews and an improvement of publish rate. After all, “tell me why, why does my heart keep shaking?” Most likely due to being lethargic with writing reviews. Stay tuned for the next one.