Written and Directed by Bang Woo-ri

Sometimes, I get lost in my writing. Should I feel like an art critic or a drama lover? Whenever I start a new series or movie,  internal conflicting thoughts and feelings create a fierce debate about whether I am enjoying or not this particular production. It is an internal fight: should I go with my feelings, with the emotion I felt or with the neutral critic’s opinion? Of course, I’m supposed to know if win or lose – Dang! A complicated and delicate war. In this case, I unilaterally take one side—the one as a drama lover. The premise of this blog is to write about subjects I love. Well, with all that said, the 20th-century girl movie is a poem in a cinematography proposal.

Since Twenty-Five Twenty-One, I haven’t felt how important exposing young age feelings, issues, troubles, and beauty is. I know those themes are prevalent in the South Korean dramaturgy to this day; Record of Youth is another fantastic example. But this movie has a deep, heartwarming approach. It was a tremendous journey to follow up the character’s development, the South Korean concept of “euri.” A word that combines friendship, deep loyalty and primarily the purpose of doing what is right. It is also part of the Confucianism philosophy, which is an ancient belief system focusing on the importance of personal ethics and morality. This concept was also beautifully expressed in Reply 1988, one of my dearest South Korean productions. 

This film is a delightful introspective journey to reaffirm how time is irreplaceable and precious. Provides powerful tools to brighten our lives to become better parents, friends and human beings. The cast effortlessly brings their respective characters to life, adding depth, charm, and charisma to the impeccable script. Emotions are beautifully displayed, and a standing ovation to Han Hyo-joo; I have been following her in many other productions, such as Love, Lies. She is always outstanding, independent of her time on screen. A must-see movie! 

Image courtesy: Netflix Korea