Watch House of Hummingbird

House of Hummingbird is a poignant coming-of-age drama set in the backdrop of South Korea in the late 90s, where the country was undergoing a transitional phase. The movie, directed by Bora Kim and starring Park Ji-hu, is a slow-burning but deeply stirring exploration of adolescence, identity, and family. The story follows Eun-hee (Park Ji-hu), a 14-year-old girl growing up in a working-class family in Seoul. Eun-hee's parents are often occupied with their own lives, leaving her to fend for herself and her younger siblings. Eun-hee is a struggling student who gets little support from her parents, but she finds solace in her relationships with her friends and her tutor. Eun-hee's world changes when she meets a young man named Ji-hwan (Kim Si-hoo), who understands her in ways that no one else does.

The movie beautifully captures the mundane aspects of Eun-hee's life, from her daily routine of attending school and staying with her grandmother, to her part-time job at a shop that sells fried snacks. As a teenager, Eun-hee is full of questions, trying to make sense of the world around her, and the film does an excellent job of depicting that struggle. The movie also depicts the cultural mood in South Korea at the time, as tensions were running high due to political and financial instability.

One of the most profound aspects of the movie is its focus on relationships. Eun-hee's life is full of fleeting connections, from her strained relationship with her parents to the deeper bonds she forms with her friends and Ji-hwan. The film explores how friendships, both good and bad, can shape a person's identity and how different relationships can offer both comfort and pain. There is a lot of truth in the way the movie portrays how relationships can be messy and imperfect but still hold a lot of weight.

The acting in House of Hummingbird is superb, with Park Ji-hu delivering a standout performance as Eun-hee. Her portrayal is nuanced, and she manages to convey the internal conflicts of adolescence with subtlety and authenticity. The supporting cast also delivers excellent performances, especially Kim Ga-eun, who plays Eun-hee's best friend, who faces her own struggles as a result of a troubled home life.

The movie's cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing Seoul in a raw and intimate way that feels both nostalgic and poetic. The camera often lingers on mundane details, like the neon lights of convenience stores or the crowded streets, creating a lived-in feel that emphasizes the story's small-scale focus.

Overall, House of Hummingbird is an emotional and evocative film that explores the delicate balance between growing up and holding on. The movie's attention to detail and nuanced storytelling make it a unique and affecting coming-of-age movie. This is a beautifully crafted film that thoughtfully portrays the turbulent emotional landscape of adolescence and the complexities of human relationships. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves character-driven dramas that feel real and heartfelt.

In conclusion, House of Hummingbird is a critically acclaimed drama that paints a deeply felt portrait of adolescence in South Korea. With strong performances from its cast and impressive direction, the movie is a poignant and emotionally resonant exploration of family, identity, and friendship. It is a powerful film that stays with you long after the credits roll, and it is deserving of all the acclaim it has received.

House of Hummingbird is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 82.