It would be giving techno-pop trio Perfume's new documentary film "We Are Perfume — World Tour 3rd Document" too much credit to say that it shows the struggles of touring abroad. Aside from a mishap regarding a busted LED screen in Los Angeles, that is.
However, the film gives some insight into what Japanese musicians go through when performing overseas, such as learning little quips in the local language before the show or dealing with cultural differences in working with sound and lighting crews.
On the other hand, the film finds the trio during their downtime at the Merlion in Singapore, ordering at In-N-Out Burger in Los Angeles and shopping at Uniqlo in New York. This overseas aspect seems overtly tailor-made for a Japanese audience — at times I wondered if the film was just a glorified kaigai (overseas) photo shoot.
For the most part, however, "We Are Perfume" is a sincere portrayal of the group, and ultimately the charm of the three singers (A-chan in particular) carries it through. The concerts on this particular tour were at smaller capacity halls and clubs, rather than the massive arenas the group is used to in Japan. These more intimate settings highlight the nuances of Perfume's production, including fantastic dancing courtesy of long-time choreographer Mikiko Mizuno. And, of course, the music of producer Yasutaka Nakata sounds sublime on those cinema speakers.
"We Are Perfume — World Tour 3rd Document" is in cinemas now. For details, visit www.perfume-web.jp.