Netflix has a remarkable talent for bringing international cinema to the forefront, granting audiences access to films from around the globe that they might otherwise overlook. This has notably influenced the rising interest in Korean cinema, with the streaming platform championing significant titles. Among its most acclaimed offerings, the 2022 film “20th Century Girl” has captured hearts and garnered rave reviews. This romantic drama intricately weaves a tale centered on first love, strong friendships, heartbreak, and the bittersweet flavor of nostalgia.
The narrative kicks off in 2019 when protagonist Na Bo-ra receives a cryptic package at her childhood home, setting off a chain of events that takes us back to 1999. As a high school student, Bo-ra finds herself embroiled in a unique “love quadrangle”that complicates her life. Her best friend, Yeon-du, is departing for medical treatment abroad and asks Bo-ra to keep an eye on her crush, Baek Hyun-jin. However, the plan takes an unforeseen twist when Bo-ra unexpectedly falls for Hyun-jin’s best friend, Poong Woon-ho, only to realize later that Woon-ho is the very boy Yeon-du secretly likes. The film has been praised for its genuine depiction of first love as well as its emotionally impactful conclusion, revealing critical truths about the intertwined fates of Bo-ra and Woon-ho.
The Confession of Love Between Bo-Ra and Woon-Ha
Bo-Ra’s Emotional Confession to Woon-Ha
Upon Yeon-du’s return from surgery, Bo-ra is faced with a heartbreaking revelation: both she and her best friend harbor feelings for Woon-ho. Torn by her emotions, Bo-ra encourages Yeon-du to go out with Woon-ho while keeping her own feelings a secret. However, the truth eventually comes to light, leading to a poignant confrontation where Yeon-du expresses her disappointment not because of Bo-ra’s feelings, but due to the lack of honesty in their friendship. This moment highlights the depth of their bond, establishing that their friendship supersedes any romantic interests.
Encouraged by Yeon-du, Bo-ra finally decides to open up about her true feelings before Woon-ho leaves for New Zealand. In a heartwarming and pivotal scene, she meets him at the train station where they reveal their affection for one another. Bo-ra promises to remain in touch, with Woon-ho assuring her of his imminent return.
Their Relationship: From Togetherness to Silence
Connection Until Woon-Ho Disappears
For the next year, Bo-ra and Woon-ho maintain their promise, exchanging messages filled with life updates and talks of reunion. However, the communication abruptly halts when Woon-ho suddenly stops replying. Despite her attempts to reconnect, Bo-ra is left to cope with the painful assumption that Woon-ho has lost interest. Even as she learns to move forward, thoughts of him linger in her heart.
A Package from the Past Reveals a Heart-wrenching Truth
The Reason Behind Woon-Ho’s Silence
The story revisits 2019 as Bo-ra finally opens the mysterious package that initiated her journey. Inside, she finds a video and a postcard unveiling an art exhibition in New Zealand. Determined to uncover the truth, Bo-ra attends the event, only to learn that it is dedicated to Woon-ho, who tragically passed away in 2001. During her visit, she meets Woon-ho’s brother, Joon-ho, who explains that he recently discovered the videotape Woon-ho had created for her before his untimely death.
“Wait just a bit longer. I want to see you, Bo-ra of the 21st century.”
In an emotional climax, Bo-ra watches the videotape, filled with clips from their high school days and their burgeoning relationship. She is deeply moved by the footage, culminating in Woon-ho’s touching farewell capture of a sunrise on New Year’s Day, where he expresses his longing to see her once again.
Unearthing the Film’s Deeper Meaning
Exploring Relationships and Reflection in “20th Century Girl”
“20th Century Girl”serves as a profound exploration of how meaningful relationships and experiences shape individual identity. The film captures the essence of first love, illustrating its significance as a pivotal moment filled with excitement, confusion, and ultimately, heartbreak.
Bo-ra’s journey during that transformative year before the dawn of the 21st century profoundly influences the person she becomes. Woon-ho’s heartfelt parting message in the video encapsulates the excitement of looking forward to the future, yet tragically, he nunca gets to witness the transformation that unfolds.
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