20th Century Girl (2022)

21th Century Girl

I don't know what to say, even though i watched this movie long time ago i decided to rewatch. I like giving myself pain, and i did a challange basically by rewatching this i believe.

At first it seems like a cute, highschool sweethearts rom-com movie but they had to put a damn plot twist, which in my opinion was unnecessary, we already had too much heartbreaks in the movie, all comfort we had was their cute moments.

It wasn't just the cute moments. It was all the second hand embarrasments, falling in love, time spent together, yet they all were rushed. Sometimes you think what would have happened if she never got the names wrong and if Bo-ra told woonho about her feelings.

Ending also leaves us with so many questions like:
"What happened to their friends after his death in the future?"
"Why did he act so cold at the start?" (I know about his POV, i just thought it was weird)
"How did she (Yeong-du) fall for him so easily? She only saw him for a second then fell in love"
"How did he die?"

They really wasted Kim Yoo Jung and Byeon woo seok's chemistry, i am still angry about this

Basically, this movie was "how to ruin a basic, cute and heartwarming romcom into a tradegy just to not have a cliché ending."

Cinematography was amazing, really makes you feel in 1900s, OST was cute too.

The way she never was able to read the letter and she thought he gosted her (well he technically did) were so annoying too. Netflix, when i catch you Netflix.

I loved seeing her in 21th century, but this movie broke me. They need to give me an explanation, just WHY?

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Youth Romance set in 1999 : painful and healing

This movie could have been another classic romance between high schoolers but was much more than that thanks to the nostalgia throwback (as it is set in 1999) and its bright and pure atmosphere. In addition to be about romance, I appreciate a lot the friendship thematic underlying the whole plot.

The story (especially) in its first half did not surprise me at all, as I guessed from the start the "twist" but it did not bother me as the build up to get there was very sincere and satisfying. The second part of the film levelled up in a simple and beautiful way the stake of the love story. It was painful and healing at the same time and left a lasting impression on me as a viewer.

The cast was good, I was not very familiar with any of the actors and actresses playing the 4 main protagonists but they did very well. Kim Yoo Jung playing the heroine was particularly great in all the emotional and painful scenes. The two main males leads, in addition to be very pleasant to the eyes , really brought life and charisma to characters that could have felt otherwise very thin on paper.

The filmmaking was beautiful: it made very vivid the feel of the 1999 era with the big switch from the 20th century into the 21st century. I enjoyed the music as well, it was totally fitting the story narrated.

I would recommend this to people looking for a youth romance both painful and healing and that will for sure provide you a nostalgic throwback feeling. If you enjoyed movie such as the Japanese "Orange" or the Reply series (1997 / 1994 / 1988), you will likely appreciate a lot this film.

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Rewatch value at its least

HAHA so here i am writing a review after watching it in 2022 and rewatching 2 months ago. I would say, although everyone seems iffy about the ending, i loved it (because it made me cry and i love shows that make me cry).

Beware tho, i wouldnt recommend rewatching. Im sure youve watched this and though 'oh rewatch value is def high' well sorry to break it to you, but not so much. I watched this over a year after i first did. Although my eyes did get teary, no single tear dropped. I wish i could go back to when i first watched it because it got me SOBBINGG. What im trying ti say is, if your watching this for the first time, SAVOUR the moment lmfao

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I cried even when I already knew he would die ...

I already received a spoiler-packed review of this movie from my brother before watching it, so I knew Byeon Woo-seok’s character would die in the end. Still, somehow, I couldn't control my tears when the truth about his death unfolded in the film. Honestly, I don't know what was better—knowing about his death and getting a clear conclusion after 15 years, or just believing he was alive somewhere, living a selfish life after abandoning her. If I were in her place, I would have chosen the latter. I don’t need closure; I would have preferred to live in a bubble, thinking he was selfish, that he was a jerk... but at least he was still breathing. That would be enough for me.

After all, school romances rarely turn into something serious. So, this ending wasn’t my favorite. But we know that not all stories end in a “happily ever after,” right?

The cast was amazing—Woo-seok looked so charming, as always. The female lead (from My Demon) was beautiful; her character was cheerful and funny, totally endearing.

I felt the background music was a bit different from the usual—really not my taste. But since the cinematography and soundtrack were crafted to reflect the 1999 era, I suppose we can overlook that.

Overall, it’s a good movie for a one-time watch; you can definitely give it a try.

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This was well done and acted. I'm not a big fan of rip out your heart dramas. I like things more uplifting, than bawling my eyes out. I cry too easily for heartbreak. That's just personal preference though and has no bearing on my rating. The only place I low rated is the rewatch because the ending was too sad to go through again. This story is really similar to the J drama Heavenly Forest. If you really liked this you will probably like that as well. This was well casted and acted. I loved the father's character. He was so warm and funny. My only complaint is I wish that we had some time of them really being together. It kept being almost... almost... oh now he has to leave.

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I was not expecting to be Destroyed by the feels

I went into watching this as a pretty light high school rom-com with some angsty moments but boy I was taken a bit aback.

The story albeit usual, takes you through a visual journey of 1999 and hits all the sweet spots of being nostalgic in the right way. The phone booths, the pagers, the music, everything is an ode to that era. It has its funny moments, I found myself smiling ear to ear on these people and their situation. The pace of this movie is good.

Half-way through the movie, you'd feel there is a twist. The response to it is predictable on all ends and the ending overall is tinged with sadness.

The actors are delightful. Kim Yoo Jung and Beyon Woo Seok are a pleasure to watch. Rooh Yeon Seo is a believable bestie.

The production and cinematography was of high quality with decent music backing it up. It is definitely worth a re-watch.

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What the heck?!

I put off watching this for the longest time because I had heard about the ending. I decided to pull up my big girl panties, suck it up and give it a watch. Well, I do have to say that the ending really affected my rating.

The concept for the story was cute. Bo Ra's best friend has a crush on a boy and wants Bo Ra to find out everything she can about him while said friend is in America. Bo Ra's detective work was very cute. She was certainly creative in the means that she used to glean information! In the process, Bo Ra starts to like Woon Ho. When her friend comes back, she finds out that Woon Ho is the one she actually likes. This is where the power of friendship was displayed very well, between Bo Ra and her friend. It was sad, you could feel the emotions of the girls, but their friendship was beautiful and strong.

Kim Yoo Jung as Bo Ra, and Byeon Woo Seok as Woon Ho were terrific. They made such a cute couple. Bo Ra beginning to feel the emotions of love that her friend had described to her, her journey of discovery in her first love was a treat to watch. And I thought that Woon Ho was written really well. His emotions just showed on his face every time he looked at Bo Ra, he didn't try to hide it, he was feeling the feels, and he went with it. I can't count the number of times I was taken with his beatific smile. There was no hidden agenda, no game playing, it was just there for the world to see.

So, for three quarters of the way through the movie, I was thinking that I was probably going to rate this pretty high, such was my enjoyment of it. Though there was one head-scratching moment early on, I probably could have overlooked that, but the other two points, just no:
1) There was mistaken identity because Woon Ho had worn his friend's school uniform. There is no way he could have worn his friend's uniform, Woon Ho was about a foot taller!
2) Why in the world did they feel the need to have a different actress play Bo Ra as an adult? That ruined the flow.
3) And the WORST? A ton of time goes by, and she finds out that Woon Ho died years ago!?!? The first thing out of anyone's mouth would be to ask how he died. That is never explained, and it remains this huge clunky rock of disappointment to an otherwise good movie. I mean, just why? There are certainly more satisfactory ways this movie could have ended. I'm just mad.

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Review of 20th Century Girl: 8.5/10 Stars

"20th Century Girl" is a nostalgic and heartfelt film that beautifully captures the essence of teenage love and friendship in the late 1990s. The lead actress delivers a sincere performance, and the chemistry among the cast feels authentic and engaging.

The film's vibrant cinematography and nostalgic soundtrack perfectly complement its setting. Though the plot treads familiar ground at times, its genuine heart and compelling characters shine through.

Overall, "20th Century Girl" is an emotionally resonant and charming film that earns its 8.5 stars. It's a delightful watch that will leave you reflecting on your own youthful experiences. Highly recommended!

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A Definite 'Must Watch'

I am a lover of Rom-Coms, they lift you up and make you believe that your perfect romance might be out there somewhere. 20th Century Girl is one of the ones that makes you think that may be some day someone might love you more than you know, that love could be reciprocated and it was all worth it. Teen romance is something so magical and this film really makes you feel it.
I cry every single time I watch this movie and I've seen it repeatedly, trust me! The acting was amazing, the story is both heartbreaking and beautiful in equal measures and the cinematography really got me too. I would recommend this one to anyone who wants to feel all the emotions of a first love, it's such an excellent movie.

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