Overview
A heartwarming tale of first love and friendship unfolds in a vibrant high school setting.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- nostalgic
- warm
- witty
- date night
- nostalgic evening
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film a charming and moving first-love romance, praising its nostalgic 1990s atmosphere and central performances while noting that some supporting characters are underexplored and the adult coda feels heavy-handed.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The high-school story uses 1990s Korean city life, broadcasting-club activities, and period details to evoke a remembered adolescence.
Bo-ra’s first romance and friendships are presented as formative moments that remain emotionally vivid beyond adolescence.
Bo-ra investigates Hyun-jin for Yeon-du while developing feelings herself, placing devoted friendship inside a love triangle.
Bo-ra’s commitment to Yeon-du’s crush and their close friendship drive the central investigation and emotional stakes.
Films like 20th Century Girl, and why
Flipped
shared coming-of-age romance, nostalgic first love, and emotionally bittersweet teenage friendships
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
shared teen romantic drama, period nostalgia, and tender examination of unforgettable youthful relationships
Our Times
shared wistful first-love story, friendship-centered adolescence, and tearjerker emotional register
A Little Thing Called Love
shared korean teen romance, melancholy nostalgia, and youthful unrequited love
Movie Details
- Director
- Bang Woo-ri
- Release Date
- 2022-10-06
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Rating
- 8.2 / 10 (866)
Cast
- Kim You-jung
- Byeon Woo-seok
- Park Jung-woo
- Roh Yoon-seo
- Kim Sung-kyung
- Jeong Seok-yong
- Yoon Yi-reh
- Jeon Hye-won
- Kim Nu-rim
- Han Hyo-joo
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is 20th Century Girl about?
- A spirited Korean teenager’s mission to protect her best friend’s crush becomes an aching journey through friendship, confusion, and first love.
- What is 20th Century Girl like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of 20th Century Girl as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is 20th Century Girl violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in 20th Century Girl.
- What did critics think of 20th Century Girl?
- Critics broadly found the film a charming and moving first-love romance, praising its nostalgic 1990s atmosphere and central performances while noting that some supporting characters are underexplored and the adult coda feels heavy-handed.
- Which films are like 20th Century Girl?
- Films with a similar feel include Flipped, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Our Times, and A Little Thing Called Love.
- How long is 20th Century Girl?
- 20th Century Girl runs 119 minutes.
- Where can I watch 20th Century Girl?
- In United States, 20th Century Girl streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.
