Let’s dive into 20th Century Girl, a coming-of-age romantic comedy that premiered at the Busan International Film Festival on October 6, 2022, and later found its home on Netflix.
Directed by newcomer Bang Woo-ri, the film is set in 1999. It follows Bo-ra (played by Kim Yoo-jung), a high school student who sets out to win over Hyun-jin (Park Jung-woo), the crush of her best friend Yeon-doo (Roh Yoon-seo), who is undergoing heart surgery in the United States. Bo-ra’s plan involves getting close to Woon-ho (Byeon Woo-seok), Hyun-jin’s best friend. However, she unexpectedly finds herself falling in love and caught between both young men.
A Nostalgic Trip to the Millennium
20th Century Girl is a quintessential Korean青春爱情film, brimming with late 90s nostalgia and bathed in a soft, pink glow. It ticks all the classic K-drama boxes: a love triangle, best friends vying for the same guy, a sudden health crisis, and the quintessential unrequited first love. It’s a formula designed to resonate with fans of the genre.
While the plot might not break new ground, the film distinguishes itself by offering a fresh perspective and immersing viewers in the emotions of the era.
Casting and Chemistry
The casting choices are a masterstroke. The actors exude youthful energy and charm, bringing a contemporary flair to familiar tropes. Their performances strike the right balance for an idol drama – humorous without being over-the-top.
Reliving the 90s
The film is peppered with nostalgic elements that will resonate with audiences who grew up in the 90s: VHS tapes, camcorders, pagers, phone booths, school trips, and strict dorm supervisors. These details, combined with Bo-ra’s innocent yet rebellious acts, such as secretly tracking down Hyun-jin’s pager number and sharing forbidden drinks with friends on a school trip, evoke fond memories of a simpler time.
The film’s soft lighting and bright, cheerful color palette give it a sweet and addictive quality, much like the fruit candies we enjoyed as children. The director’s decision to focus the camera primarily on the actors’ performances enhances the film’s intimate and personal feel. Overall, 20th Century Girl is a delightful journey back to the late 90s, capturing the innocence and awkwardness of adolescence.
Lingering Feelings
After watching 20th Century Girl, many viewers will likely find themselves reminiscing about their own moments of first love, heartbreak, and healing during their teenage years. The unsent love letters and unspoken farewells often define our youthful romances. It is through these lingering regrets that we maintain a sense of hope for future connections.n.