The enchanting and touching film, "House of Hummingbird" is by acclaimed actress Kim Bora (b S Korea 1994) marking an auspicious debut as writer/director. The film is set in S Korea, 1994, and follows the life of a 14 year old school girl, Eun-hee in a stirring performance by S. Korean actress Park Ji-hoo. This lengthy film (almost 3 hours) takes its time unfolding. The movie is about one girl's search for friendship, kinship and inner strength. At times this is very painful, making the smaller moments of tenderness & self-assuredness very poignant. This beautifully shot film feels candid & credible. It crawls along at a snail's pace. Eun-hee's family life is troubled by a brutal older brother, and seemingly uncaring parents & sister. This is a coming of age story wherein Eun-hee is seeking friendship with her classmates, a boyfriend and contending with offering & rebuff. Eun-hee is searching for a port in any storm. She locates beacons of affection that wash away. Eun-hee's emotions are illuminated in her eyes with happiness and flickers with disillusion on her face. She finds an enlarging tumor alongside her face that requires surgery. Eun-hee's hospital stay is without any family in attendance. Her only visitor is from one of her teacher's who has befriended Eun-hee. There's a major catastrophe that occurs in Seoul that exacts a personal toll on Eun-hee and her family. The film flows and meanders with the currents of daily life, trickling in parts & rushing with power elsewhere. "House of Hummingbird" is a harbinger of Park Ji-hoo's asured future as an exceptional film making. The film is one of loneliness & resilience. Carl Sandburg's poem Offering & Rebuff reflects the essence & beauty of the film. "I could love you as dry roots love rain. I could hold you as branches in the wind brandish petals. Forgive me for speaking so soon. Let your heart look on white spray and be lonely. Love is a fool star. You and a rising of stars may mention my name and then forget me. Love is a fool star."
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