Music Video Side by Side Review: Genie by Girl's Generation Korean and Japanese Versions

Info:
Song: 소원을 말해봐 (Genie)
Artist: 소녀시대 (Girl's Generation)

So most of you have probably seen both of these great music videos but in case not here are the videos themselves to get you up to speed.

The Original (Korean) Version:


The New (Japanese) Version:



Similarities:
Both music videos feature the nine lovely girls of SNSD in both military uniform and more casual attire, though the military standards in the Japanese version seem to have been relaxed a little. ;-p The traditional genie's lamp shows up at the beginning of both videos as well, fitting considering the English name of the song. Other similarities of note include the music (of course) and the dance choreography.

Differences:
Now those of you who either know the languages, or were watching the subtitles closely may have noticed that the two versions actually have different lyrics. And I am not just pointing out the obvious change in language, the meaning of the lyrics are different. The theme is still the same but the lyrics are different. Strange enough though, all of the English lyrics seem to have stayed the same though. Other differences of note include the addition of a person in the Japanese version, a party feel in the Korean version vs a carnival feel in the Japanese version and the cinematography.

Rillean's Comments:
Both music videos are good, great even. The fun playful spirit that shows up in so many SNSD songs and music videos is again on display for us to view. The music itself is catchy and the choreography makes me want to get up and dance . . . okay I think I will spare us all the pain of a guy trying to dance that. The two videos do share similarities but if I was watching it with the volume off I might think they were two completely unrelated songs from the same artists. The visual feel to both songs is so different. Overall I have to say that I really enjoy these videos. If I had to pick a favorite out of the two, I think it would have to be the original Korean version, simply because the Korean lyrics (the sounds of them anyway) seem to fit the music better, probably because that is the language it was written for.

Ratings:
Original Version:
Music: 10/10
Choreography: 10/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Costumes: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Total: 48/50

New Version:

Music: 8/10
Choreography: 10/10
Cinematography: 10/10
Costumes: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Total: 47/10

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