The South Korean film on Netflix that mixes the best of comedy and romance – Film News

Netflix has managed to become a global showcase for South Korean cinema, especially for those stories that masterfully combine comedy and romance. A clear example of this is Girl from the 20th Century, a film that awakens emotions through nostalgia and the intensity of first love.

Its connection with the public is in the way it portrays those universal moments that we have all experienced: the first butterflies in our stomach, the uncertainty of adolescence, the bonds of friendship that seem unbreakable and, of course, the famous butterflies in the stomach.

What is this romantic comedy about?

In 1999 – the last year of the 20th century – 17-year-old Bo-ra (Kim Yoo-jung) meets her first love. Bo-Ra is best friends with Yeon-Du (Roh Yoon-seo), who attends the same school. However, the young woman’s love is unrequited, as Yeon-Du has a crush on Hyun-Jin (Park Jung-woo).

She asks Bo-Ra to find out everything about Hyun-Jin and goes to the US to have heart surgery. After that, Bo-Ra starts observing Hyun-Jin closely and she falls in love with him, which triggers into a sweet, pure, but heartbreaking relationship. Years later, in the 21st century, the news about his first love revives his teenage romance that he thought he had forgotten.

A story of first love and friendship

There’s an emotional rollercoaster full of misunderstandings, impulsive decisions and that exaggerated drama that only youth can justify. The film accurately portrays the small obsessions of adolescencefrom a sudden interest in your passion’s hobbies to the furtive glances that say it all.

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The character Bo-ra is the soul of the film. His charisma, combined with his clumsy attitudes and questionable decisions, perfectly reflects the self-discovery stage of adolescence.

Kim Yoo-jung naturally portrays the emotion of first love, going from initial denial to overwhelming happiness. Her friendship with Yeon-du adds a touching dimension to the story, showing us how the bonds of youth can be as intense as they are complicated.

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The rhythm of Garota do Século 20 is another of its successes. The narrative flows between moments of light comedy and scenes full of emotion, keeping the viewer glued to the screen the entire time.

Woo-ri Bang, who directed and wrote the film, uses visual resources that reinforce the nostalgic atmosphere: from long shots at spring festivals to intimate frames that capture the vulnerability of her characters. The cinematography, with vibrant colors and references to late 90s pop culture, transports us to a time when life seemed simpler.

Although the film is set in 1999, its story is timeless. First love, friendship and the search for identity are universal themes that transcend generations. The camera acts almost like a character, reflecting Bo-ra’s perspective and allowing the audience to experience her emotions directly. The chemistry between the actors, especially between Bo-ra and Woon-ho, feels genuine, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story.

*Global content QueroCinema.