20th Century Girl

20th Century Girl is a South Korean coming-of-age romance drama that captures the essence of youthful friendships and the bittersweet experience of first love. Directed and written by Bang Woo-ri, this film features a talented cast including Kim Yoo-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Park Jung-woo, and Roh Yoon-seo. The movie was released on 21 October 2022, and is available for streaming on Netflix.

Set in 1999, the story follows Na Bo-ra, portrayed by Kim Yoo-jung, a lively seventeen-year-old high school student. Bo-ra's best friend, Kim Yeon-du (played by Roh Yoon-seo), is preparing for heart surgery in the United States but decides she cannot go after falling in love with a boy named Baek Hyun-jin (played by Park Jung-woo). To help her friend, Bo-ra promises to find out everything about Hyun-jin and report back. As she begins to investigate, Bo-ra unexpectedly becomes interested in Poong Woon-ho (Byeon Woo-seok), Hyun-jin’s best friend.

The plot thickens when Bo-ra mistakenly believes she has been following the right boy, only to discover that the real Hyun-jin is actually Woon-ho. This confusion arises after she sees Woon-ho wearing his friend's jacket, leading to a mix-up of feelings. As their friendships and romantic interests intertwine, Bo-ra must navigate her loyalties to her friend while grappling with her own feelings for Woon-ho.

When Yeon-du returns from her surgery, the truth comes to light, causing emotional turmoil between the friends. Despite Bo-ra's desire to protect her friend's feelings, it becomes challenging to hide her own love for Woon-ho. As the story unfolds, viewers experience the complexity of teenage relationships and the heartache that often accompanies first love.

The film takes a poignant turn as Woon-ho prepares to leave for New Zealand. On his departure day, Bo-ra rushes to the train station for a last confession of feelings, but soon after, Woon-ho falls silent, leaving Bo-ra heartbroken and confused.

Years later, in 2019, Bo-ra receives an invitation to an art exhibition from Joseph, Woon-ho's younger brother. Through him, she learns of Woon-ho's tragic death years before, and she reflects on the impact he had on her life. The movie concludes with Bo-ra discovering a heartfelt video made by Woon-ho, capturing their moments together, serving as a reminder of the unforgettable experiences of young love.

Critics have praised 20th Century Girl for its rich storytelling and emotional depth, with an approval rating of 86% on review aggregator platforms. The heartfelt performances, particularly by Kim Yoo-jung, have been highlighted, creating a nostalgic portrayal of first love that resonates with audiences. The film is a charming exploration of friendship, love, and the passage of time.

For viewers seeking a touching romantic drama that echoes the complexities of teenage emotions, 20th Century Girl is a must-see film that beautifully captures the essence of youth.