Jungkook: I Am Still review – The bunny who keeps hopping forward

From the very first frame of Jung Kook: I Am Still, It feels like we’re stepping into a timeless bubble—just us and our little bunny, Jungkook. Those early photos? They hit you right in the heart, don’t they? Like a collection of memories you'd almost forgotten, yet somehow they've always been there. His first awkward hops into stardom, the shy smiles, the wide-eyed wonder. Each picture feels like a warm, nostalgic hug, reminding us of the bunny boy we’ve held close all these years. But before you get too comfortable swimming in the past, the film gently nudges you forward. We begin to walk his journey alongside him, from the early BTS days, glimpsed through nostalgic photos before the film fast-forwards to 2023, where we arrive at the shimmering milestone of his solo album, Golden. The shift is seamless, taking us from those sweet memories to the present, where Jungkook’s artistry takes center stage.

The title I Am Still—is so simple, yet so loaded. It's one of those phrases that wraps itself around you, inviting you to reflect. Still... as in, unchanged. Our Jungkook is still the same bunny we fell in love with. But also, still—as in, after all this time, after all the growth, he’s still here, pushing boundaries, evolving into the artist he was always destined to become. It’s a beautiful reminder that no matter how much the world changes, some things, like his passion, his charm, and his pure-hearted spirit, remain wonderfully intact.

Through a series of gorgeously crafted moments, the film lets us witness this evolution firsthand. From the wide-eyed, adorable kid in BTS’s early days to the confident, powerful solo artist standing tall today. Watching I Am Still feels like flipping through a visual diary, each page leading us to the crowning glory that is Golden—an album as deep and vibrant as its name suggests, carrying the weight of every hop, every leap, and every step Jungkook has taken to get here.

The quiet perseverance behind every note

It’s an 8-month journey, filled with moments of doubt, the kind of self-imposed pressure that might seem overwhelming to anyone watching from the outside. But for Jungkook, our beloved bunny, that intensity is what makes him who he is—constantly striving for something just a little more perfect. Throughout the film, we find ourselves bouncing between the behind-the-scenes vlog style (like the comforting chaos of Are You Sure?!) and jaw-dropping live performances, including that dazzling moment in Times Square. It's all so... real. You can feel the exhaustion and the thrill, intertwined in a way only Jungkook could pull off, as he pours himself into the recording of Golden.

But then, there’s a moment where your heart clenches. Four weeks. Four long weeks when his voice—his most precious tool—betrayed him. His throat was struggling, and yet, somehow, he kept going. He kept reaching for those high notes that could break the sky. A fellow artist who worked with him couldn't help but sing his praises, amazed at how Jungkook nailed those challenging notes, even when he confessed how hard it was. Moments like these remind us why we love him so fiercely. Even when he’s tired, even when it’s tough, an unwavering spark in him refuses to dim.

Whispers of devotion: A love you can almost touch

In one of the quieter moments, as Jungkook sits in the car, watching the city pass by, his soft, steady voice breaks through the reflective silence: “I don’t want to disappoint. That’s what matters most to me.” There’s something so pure in the way he says it—like he’s speaking directly to us, the ARMY, as if every note, every breath, is for us. “Anyone can listen to my music. You can listen to my music,” he adds, almost as if he’s offering a piece of himself. Our bunny might be introverted, but his affection for us, the fans, is undeniable and almost palpable. Every smile, every wave, every glimpse of his excitement when he meets us, is wrapped in love.

And here’s the thing—sure, we can talk about his talent. It’s there, and it’s massive. But to reduce Jungkook, or any of the BTS members, to just that? It feels almost like an insult, because we know better. It’s not just talent that’s brought them this far—it’s the blood, sweat, and tears (pun absolutely intended) that we’ve seen them pour into everything they do. From Run BTS, we’re reminded of their journey, how they came from the bottom, faced the odds, and kept leveling up. And Jungkook? Our bunny is no different. He may have started small, but his perseverance, that quiet determination, has always been there, driving him forward.

Leaping beyond comfort: Jungkook's bold dive into the unknown

As the film eases into the recording log of the album, the enchantment deepens. We’re pulled into the raw, unpolished world of Jungkook in the studio, where behind-the-scenes moments (BTS, yes, pun intended. Again) unfold like whispered secrets. Even if our bunny isn’t your bias or ultimate, it’s impossible not to fall just a little harder. For me, Jungkook was the one who first nudged me into this whirlwind of a fandom—though my ultimate bias is Suga. But honestly, how can you not fall for him all over again after hearing these stories, after seeing the quiet genius behind every track?

As the recording log unfolds, you can almost feel Jungkook inhabiting each song, like he’s wrapping his entire being around the music. These aren’t just tracks on an album—they’re little pieces of his soul, his essence. He doesn’t merely perform; he breathes life into every melody, making them his own. And while the album carries a distinctly Western vibe, you can’t miss the undeniable touch of our sweet, mischievous bunny in every beat. It’s his playful charm and his quiet confidence that makes each song feel like a warm embrace. The album’s enormous success? Of course, it was. When you pour so much of yourself into something when you become the music, how could it be anything but extraordinary?

I find myself remembering Are You Sure!?, when he told Jimin he wanted songs that would push his voice, expand his range, and let him dip his toes into new, uncharted waters. And wow, did he ever! As I listen to the album again (which I’m absolutely doing as I write this), everything feels richer, and deeper. Knowing he learned the songs almost overnight, in English no less, and dived headfirst into rhythms and styles far from his comfort zone—it only makes it clearer. Jungkook isn’t just talented, he’s daring. He leaps into the unknown, and in doing so, he leaves us breathless, every single time.

Echoes of strength: A journey that lingers beyond the screen

“I’m going to keep moving forward, trusting my instincts,” Jungkook says, arms resting on a cushion, with that shy, beautiful smile of his. The words hang in the air between moments of the recording log, carrying more weight than they seem. We follow him through the ups and downs of the journey, and suddenly, there he is—at the doctor’s office, his throat the cause of all our worries. It’s a scene that tugs at your heart. Watching him struggle, knowing how much it matters to him, our hearts ache right along with him. And yet, even through the pain, he pushes on. How can anyone not feel inspired by him?

Jungkook is a walking example of why you should never give up, even when things seem impossible or obstacles appear out of nowhere. He keeps going and keeps believing in himself, and in doing so, he teaches us all to trust our instincts, too. But I won’t spoil it—there are surprises along the way, moments that will make your heart race, especially the chosen performances and special appearances (ahhhhh, be still, my heart!). And the ending? Let’s just say, if you think you’ve hit your emotional limit, think again. There’s no holding back the tears—sometimes it’s better to just let them fall and give in to the beauty of the moment. I close my eyes, and the final scenes play in my mind like a dream. It’s a masterpiece of a film.

And it’s not just me swept up in this whirlwind of emotion. As I Am Still graces screens around the globe, you can almost hear the collective inhale of ARMY, the quiet awe filling the room. It’s a film that doesn’t just connect—it hums with shared emotion. Jungkook’s journey becomes ours, his quiet strength something we carry with us long after the credits roll. Every performance, every behind-the-scenes moment feels like a gift he’s offering, and in return, we leave theaters with our hearts fuller, minds spinning, and a deeper understanding of his world. The film weaves us all together, binding us to his story, like a song that lingers in your mind long after the music stops.

Since its worldwide debut on September 18, 2024, Jung Kook: I Am Still has found a home in the hearts of fans and critics alike. The film isn't just a glimpse behind the curtain of Golden—it feels like an intimate portrait of Jungkook’s passion, woven into every frame. Screenings across the globe have rippled with emotion, and the impact has been unquestionable. But it’s more than just a chronicle of his journey—it invites you to feel every step. As fans leave theaters, their hearts full and minds spinning, they carry with them the weight of his growth, his connection to ARMY, like an unshakable presence. The resonance lingers, like a melody that refuses to fade, the film itself an extension of Jungkook’s very soul.