The director of the delightful film “20th Century Girl” recently shared her passion for the project in a candid interview. This Netflix movie revolves around the bittersweet first love of 17-year-old Na Bo Ra (played by Kim Yoo Jung) in 1999. One winter day, Na Bo Ra stumbles upon a videocassette filled with memories from that year. She had played cupid to help her best friend Yeon Doo (Noh Yoon Seo) find love with her crush, Baek Hyun Jin (Park Jung Woo). Along this journey, Na Bo Ra initiates her own love story with Poong Woon Ho (Byun Woo Seok).
Director Bang Woo Ri, who gained recognition at the Blue Dragon Film Awards for her short film “Mrs. Young,” revealed that “20th Century Girl” initially started as an autobiography. She explained, “As my friends got married and had children, I found it hard to relate. But one day, a friend told me she had met her first love. We reminisced about the past, and I rediscovered my old diary. In it, I had chronicled how I observed my friend’s crush. Looking back, it may seem embarrassing, but from that memory, I created this story, realizing it was a unique experience of that period in my life.”
You are viewing: 20th Century Girl: A Heartwarming Film Based on Real Life Experiences
Bang Woo Ri’s personal interest in youth films was another motivating factor behind the movie. She remarked, “When I was younger, ‘Cinema Paradiso’ showcased the beauty of films to me. Although it’s a famous movie, after watching it at a young age, I was captivated and inspired to create something similar.”
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Describing “20th Century Girl” as a film she made for herself, Bang Woo Ri expressed her gratitude for the wonderful cast. She considered it a stroke of luck to have Kim Yoo Jung and Han Hyo Joo portray both the past and present versions of Na Bo Ra. She affectionately remarked, “It felt like gaining an army of loyal soldiers and unlimited support.”
Byun Woo Seok, from “Record of Youth,” and Park Jung Woo, from “Love Playlist,” were chosen due to their suitability for their roles. Noh Yoon Seo auditioned and impressed the staff members with her refreshing presence, solidifying her position in the film.
Despite Kim Yoo Jung’s young age, she took on a leadership role on set, impressing the director with her professionalism. Kim quickly bonded with her co-stars, fostering a comfortable atmosphere. Bang Woo Ri shared, “Since Kim Yoo Jung is such a seasoned veteran, we had many discussions, and it was a collaborative experience.”
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The film’s ending sparked mixed reviews, as it revealed the tragic passing of Woon Ho. After Woon Ho moves to New Zealand, Na Bo Ra loses contact with him and eventually learns of his death at an art exhibition organized by his younger brother. Bang Woo Ri defended this heart-wrenching ending, explaining, “I couldn’t let go of this conclusion. To be honest, I faced some resentment. First loves are sentimental precisely because they usually don’t work out, and the youth spent with them can never be reclaimed. Since this is a film, the leads had to reunite for a final farewell. The title ’20th Century Girl’ was inspired by the last line of dialogue, ‘I want to see the 21st-century you.'”
Bang Woo Ri acknowledged that viewers have specific expectations when they choose a film. She aimed to stay true to those emotions while avoiding clichés and adding her own unique touch. She admitted that not every person will be satisfied, but she was pleased to read comments from viewers who finally found a first love film that resonated with them.
Looking ahead, Bang Woo Ri expressed her desire to create similar heartwarming stories in the future. She aspires to make movies featuring ordinary people experiencing extraordinary moments within their everyday lives.
“20th Century Girl” is a film that beautifully captures the essence of first love and the nostalgia of youth. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartfelt cinematic experience.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: Blog
