When you reach a certain age, there are moments when you look back on your past and smile at the nostalgic memory of your youth that was filled with innocence and self-exploration.
20th Century Girl brings you back to the time when the internet was just starting and pagers still exist. It tells the story of Na Bo-Ra and her best friend Kim Yeon Doo and Kim Yeon Doo’s crush, a guy named Baek Hyun Jin. Unfortunately for Yeon Doo, just when she met the man of her dreams, was also the time when she was set to leave the country for her heart surgery.
But being the dedicated best friend that she is, Na Bo Ra offered to know everything about Yeon-Doo’s crush Baek Hyun Jin, as if she didn’t leave at all. As Na Bo-Ra got to know Baek Hyun Jin, she also became close with Baek Hyun Jin’s friend, Poong Woon Ho, who was also in the broadcasting club with her. Slowly, the three of them became close, as their journey of self-discovery, friendship and love begins. Their friendship took a sharp turn after Yeon Doo returned from her heart surgery and joined the group.
Spoiler alert!
As the next part would include something that would spoil the movie for you.
A Blast From The Past
There is something about having a setting in the ’90s that we love. Maybe because it reminds us of the time when things are simple.
This movie gives off similar vibes to Reply 1988 and Twenty-Five Twenty-One. It would definitely bring you back in time to when Payphones and VHS players still exist. I am sure that people whose youth was around the ‘90s would find a lot of things about this movie relatable.
The Innocence of First Love
Do you still remember your first crush? Do you still remember what you did when you had one? Does the memory bring a smile to your face?
If your answer to these questions is yes, I am sure that you will love this movie. I have to say that Kim Yoo Jung was the perfect actress for Bo Ra’s role and having Han Hyo Joo as her adult version was the perfect choice.
Honestly, in the beginning, I was unsure if Kim Yoo Jung and Byeon Woo Seok’s ship would sail. But after watching the movie I already wanted to see them together again for another project. The chemistry that the two of them have was undeniable. I even love Park Jung Woo’s role as it added the needed spice to make this young love more real.
The Value of Friendship
A story of youth is never complete without friendship. Back in the day, being young was so much fun. It was the time when everything seemed easy and there was nothing that you can’t get away from. What makes this time more memorable is by having someone who will always have your back.
But what if you have to choose between the person you love and your bestest best friend? Which one would you choose?
Some of you will agree with the decision that Bo Ra made while some of you would not. Looking back to your younger self, what would you do? But one thing’s for sure, most of you will find yourself smiling as you remember your younger self, the things that you have done, and the decisions you have made.
My Thoughts:
Overall, I would recommend this movie to everyone, especially to those who love Reply 1988 and Twenty-Five Twenty-One. Something simple and yet it’s not. I watched the movie because I needed something short to watch. I don’t have any idea what the story is about. I just took a leap of faith that it would be something good, little did I know that I was in for a surprise.
As the movie begins, I was transported back to memory lane, where my friends and I will help each other by finding out the things that we wanted to know about our crushes. Not only that, but you will also appreciate the innocence that youth brings. From the way that your heart races whenever your crush talks to you while you pretend that you’re not “kinikilig”.
Slowly, as you go deeper into the story you will be surprised at how invested you are in the characters and that there is only one kind of ending for this, and it should be a happy one. But just like how it is in real life, this movie will throw you an unexpected curveball and you’ll find yourself bawling your eyes out because you realize that it was too late to turn back.
But despite its ending, you will still find yourself loving this movie because of how beautifully it was made and how wonderfully written it was, plus the fact of how close it is to reality. With that being said, let me share with you one of my favorite love quotes in my attempt to soothe your aching heart.
“It’s Better To Have Loved and Lost Than Never To Have Loved At All” – Alfred Lord Tennyson
Have you watched the movie bes? What are your thoughts?
If you still haven’t watched it yet, I hope that I gave you enough reasons to try it out.