# House of Hummingbird

House of Hummingbird (Korean: 벌새) is a 2018 South Korean drama film written and directed by Kim Bora. The film debuted in competition at the Busan International Film Festival's New Currents section in October 2018, where it won the NETPAC Award and the KNN Audience Award. The film has collected 59 awards including the Grand Prix of the Generation 14plus International Jury for the Best Film at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival and the Best International Narrative Feature Award at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival.

## Plot

In Seoul in 1994, Eun-hee is a quiet 14-year-old from a working-class background preparing to enter high school. She loves drawing and hanging out with her best friend, Ji-suk, with whom she attends cram school. She is in love with her boyfriend, Ji-wan, who she is secretly dating. Her parents, especially her father, tend to ignore her needs and life in favor of helping her older brother, who abuses her physically and verbally. Her older sister is similarly ignored and abused. At her cram school, Eun-hee meets her new, free-spirited Chinese teacher, Ms. Kim, who she quickly forms a bond with. While dancing at a club with Ji-suk, she also meets Yu-ri, another schoolgirl who clearly has a crush on her, and the two become friends.
Eun-hee's life quickly unravels. She discovers a lump behind her ear, which doctors later determine requires surgery to remove. When caught shoplifting with Ji-suk, her father is called after Ji-suk reveals her identity in fear, leading to severe punishment for Eun-hee; when she confronts Ji-suk later, she refuses to apologize for the betrayal. Ji-wan is forced to break up with her after his wealthy mother discovers her identity and lower social class. Despite all the tribulations, Ms. Kim encourages Eun-hee to keep her spirit and continue to move forward. Eun-hee is deeply moved by her advice and grows attached to her teacher.
Eun-hee prepares to undergo surgery, and her father unexpectedly breaks down in sobs over his fear for her, revealing that he does truly care for her. The surgery is successful; Eun-hee makes up with Ji-suk, who apologizes and admits she betrayed her because she was frightened. Ms. Kim and Yu-ri also visit her in the hospital. Yu-ri reveals that she has a crush on Eun-hee, who seems to reciprocate and kisses her cheek.
Eun-hee discovers that Ms. Kim has quit her position at the school, and attempts to meet her as she is coming to collect her things, but an error on the part of another teacher causes her to be too late to see her, leaving her devastated. Distraught, she argues with her parents that night about her behavior and insults her brother for his poor grades despite his special attention. Enraged, he strikes her so hard he tears her eardrum, but when the doctor she visits suggests she presses charges, she declines. When the new semester begins, Eun-hee spots Yu-ri and attempts to speak with her, but Yu-ri rebuffs her. She later reveals to a confused Eun-hee that she no longer has a crush on her and has moved on. When she attempts to tell Ji-suk, Ji-suk reveals that she is dealing with her parents' divorce and that Eun-hee only thinks of herself sometimes.
While at school one day, the Seongsu Bridge collapses. Since Eun-hee's sister takes the route to school and her bus was involved in the accident, she becomes frightened, but learns that her sister survived due to being late. Eun-hee's brother breaks down in tears with relief, revealing (much like his father had with Eun-hee) that he cares for his siblings despite his abuse, though his sisters seem unimpressed. The next day, Ji-wan attempts to talk with Eun-hee, but she rebuffs him, telling him that she never liked him. She receives a package from Ms. Kim containing a letter and sketchbook, and tries to hand-deliver a thank-you note to Ms. Kim's return address. However, she discovers during her journey that Ms. Kim was killed in the bridge collapse the day before Eun-hee received the package. Heartbroken, Eun-hee returns home and speaks with her mother about her uncle, who died at the start of the film. Her mother tells her frankly that she misses her brother, and that it is difficult to comprehend that he is no longer around.
Early one morning, Eun-hee and her siblings drive to view the collapsed bridge, where she is overcome by tears as she accepts her grief and comes to terms with her loss. The next morning, the family eats breakfast together in harmony—with all the siblings treated equally and paid attention to—before Eun-hee departs for school. She re-reads the final letter Ms. Kim sent her, in which she apologizes for quitting and promises that there are always good experiences to follow bad ones. Despite standing alone in the schoolyard, Eun-hee appears mature and at peace.

## Cast

* Park Ji-hu as Eun-hee
* Kim Sae-byuk as Young-ji
* Jung In-gi as Eun-hee's father
* Lee Seung-yeon as Eun-hee's mother
* Park Soo-yeon as Soo-hee
* Son Sang-yeon as Dae-hoon
* Park Seo-yoon as Ji-sook
* Jung Yoon-seo as Ji-wan
* Seol Hye-in as Yoo-ri
* Hyung Young-seon as Eun-hee's uncle
* Gil Hae-yeon as Young-ji's mother
* Park Yoon-hee as Homeroom teacher
* Son Yong-beom as Joon-tae
* Ahn Jin-hyun as Min-ji

## Production
### Writing

Kim Bora, who also wrote the script as well as directing draws from her own childhood as inspiration for this coming of age film, focusing on a pivotal moment in her life, the collapse of the Seongsu bridge in 1994. Her intended outcome as stated in an interview by Marina D. Ritcher was to create a, "fictional film based on very personal experiences." She wanted to highlight to rapid modernization of Korea and the consequences that came with trying to change too much too quickly. Ji Hyuck Moon in his article "Cracks Everywhere: How the Seongsu Bridge collapse Changed Seouls Urban Personality" talks about the phrase, "Bbali, bbali" that was used to describe this rapid-modernization that Kim portrays in her film.

### Casting

As for casting the main role of Eun-hee, it took director Kim Bora three years to find her perfect Eun-hee, Park Ji-hu. They first met in the audition room where Park Ji-hu was asked to read a scene with her onscreen mentor Yeong-ji, Bora states Park Ji-hu was "everything I was hoping for."

### Filming

Cinematographer Kang Kuk-hyun's goal was to remain as true to the time period as possible and make the film as realistic looking as possible. Throughout the film Kang Kuk-hyun and Kim Bora worked to use the camera to bring out Eun-hee's emotions, every move of the camera was intentional to bring out the maximum emotional impact. Kim's goal on the other hand as director, was not to portray any one character negatively, saying that by giving a more nuanced portrayal of the characters she shows how "no one can win in a patriarchal system."

### Soundtrack

Matija Strniša, who wrote the music for House of Hummingbird, won the best original score for his work at the Valencia International Film Festival. The music was made to be electronic and also represent the time period, described as "classical inspired electronic music."

## Critical response

House of Hummingbird received a generally positive critical response. It holds a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a total of 46 critical reviews. The site's critical consensus reads, "A striking debut for writer-director Kim Bora, House of Hummingbird delicately captures a turning point in one young woman's life." On Metacritic, the film has an overall score of 82 out of 100 out of a total out of 10 positive reviews.
Tomris Laffly from Variety describes the film as capturing the "soft-hued timeless look" of a time period that remains somewhat "hazy." Her review praises the no intrusive way Bora Kim explores Eun-hee's sexuality, never giving it a strict label and allowing the viewer join watch Eun-hee in her journey of self discovery. While she does admit the movie may have been too long for its premise, overall she states it "fleeting reality of female adolescence with sympathy" and entwines the "workings of both family and society."
Elizabeth Kerr from The Hollywood Reporter chose to focus more on the femininity of film. Overall she describes, "Sensitive, keenly observed and unflinchingly honest," and claims that it deserves success in its upcoming run. She praised the relationship that forms between Eun-hee and Yeong-ji, saying when the two are on screen together they are allowed to fully be free in a way of quotidian struggles.
Andrew Bundy from The Playlist talks about how the film explores the fine line of "harsh and heartfelt communication" which Yeong-ji helps Eun-hee discover it difference all comes down to personal understanding. While a little long, Bundy praises the film on exploring the path to show the importance of empathy and understanding.
In 2020, the film was ranked by The Guardian number 18 among the classics of modern South Korean cinema.

## Box office

Domestically, in South Korea House of Hummingbird grossed $997,953. It opened in 140 theaters and in its opening weekend it made $103,027.

## Awards and nominations

| Awards | Category | Recipient | Result |
| Asian Film Critics Association Awards | Best New Director | Kim Bora | Won |
| Beijing International Film Festival | Best New Film | House of Hummingbird | Nominated |
| Beijing International Film Festival | Special Mention | Kim Bora | Won |
| Bergen International Film Festival | Cinema Extraordinaire | Kim Bora | Won |
| Berlin International Film Festival | Grand Prix of the Generation 14plus International Jury for the Best Film | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Berlin International Film Festival | Crystal Bear for Generation 14plus - Best Film | House of Hummingbird | Nominated |
| Berlin International Film Festival | Teddy for Best Feature Film | House of Hummingbird | Nominated |
| Busan International Film Festival | KNN Award | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Busan International Film Festival | NETPAC Award | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Heartland Film Festival | Grand Prize | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Hong Kong Asian Film Festival | New Talent Award | Kim Bora | Won |
| International Istanbul Film Festival | Golden Tulip | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Jerusalem Film Festival | FIPRESCI Prize | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| BFI London Film Festival | Sutherland Trophy | House of Hummingbird | Nominated |
| Molodist International Film Festival | Best Feature Film | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Molodist International Film Festival | FIPRESCI Prize | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Seattle International Film Festival | Grand Jury Prize | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Taipei Film Festival | Grand Prize | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Taipei Film Festival | Special Jury Prize | Kim Bora | Won |
| Transatlantyk Festival | Transatlantyk Distribution Award for Section "New Cinema" | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Tribeca Film Festival | Best International Narrative Feature | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Tribeca Film Festival | Best Actress | Park Ji-hu | Won |
| Tribeca Film Festival | Best Cinematography | Kang Gook-hyun | Won |
| Malaysia International Film Festival | Best Director | Kim Bora | Won |
| Malaysia International Film Festival | Best Supporting Actress | Kim Sae-byuk | Won |
| Malaysia International Film Festival | Best Cinematography | Kang Gook-hyun | Won |
| Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival | Best Narrative Feature | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best Film | House of Hummingbird | Nominated |
| Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Kim Sae-byuk | Nominated |
| Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best New Actress | Park Ji-hu | Nominated |
| Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best New Director | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best Screenplay | Kim Bora | Won |
| Asia Pacific Screen Awards | Best Actress | Park Ji-hu | Nominated |
| Korean Association of Film Critics Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Kim Sae-byuk | Won |
| Korean Association of Film Critics Awards | Best New Director | Kim Bora | Won |
| Korean Association of Film Critics Awards | FIPRESCI Award | Kim Bora | Won |
| Korean Association of Film Critics Awards | Best New Actress | Park Ji-hu | Won |
| Korean Association of Film Critics Awards | Top 10 Films of the Year | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Director's Cut Awards | Best Director | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Director's Cut Awards | Best Actress | Park Ji-hu | Nominated |
| Director's Cut Awards | Best New Actress | Park Ji-hu | Won |
| Director's Cut Awards | Best New Director | Kim Bora | Won |
| Director's Cut Awards | Best Screenplay | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Busan Film Critics Awards | Best Cinematography | Kang Gook-hyun | Won |
| Grand Bell Awards | Best Film | House of Hummingbird | Nominated |
| Grand Bell Awards | Best Director | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Grand Bell Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Kim Sae-byuk | Nominated |
| Grand Bell Awards | Best New Actress | Park Ji-hu | Nominated |
| Grand Bell Awards | Best New Director | Kim Bora | Won |
| Grand Bell Awards | Best Screenplay | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Grand Bell Awards | Best Cinematography | Kang Gook-hyun | Nominated |
| Grand Bell Awards | Best Music | Matija Strniša | Nominated |
| Cine21 Awards | Best Film | House of Hummingbird | 2nd place |
| Cine21 Awards | Best New Director | Kim Bora | Won |
| Cine21 Awards | Best New Actress | Park Ji-hu | Won |
| Chunsa Film Art Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Kim Sae-byuk | Nominated |
| Chunsa Film Art Awards | Best New Actress | Park Ji-hu | Nominated |
| Chunsa Film Art Awards | Best New Director | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Chunsa Film Art Awards | Best Screenplay | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Buil Film Awards | Best Film | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Buil Film Awards | Best Director | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Buil Film Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Kim Sae-byuk | Nominated |
| Buil Film Awards | Best New Actress | Park Ji-hu | Nominated |
| Buil Film Awards | Best New Director | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Buil Film Awards | Best Screenplay | Kim Bora | Won |
| Buil Film Awards | Best Cinematography | Kang Gook-hyun | Nominated |
| Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Film | House of Hummingbird | Nominated |
| Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Director | Kim Bora | Won |
| Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Kim Sae-byuk | Won |
| Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Actress | Park Ji-hu | Nominated |
| Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Director | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Screenplay | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Wildflower Film Awards | Grand Prize | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Wildflower Film Awards | Best Director | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Wildflower Film Awards | Best Actress | Park Ji-hu | Won |
| Wildflower Film Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Kim Sae-byuk | Nominated |
| Wildflower Film Awards | Best New Actress | Park Ji-hu | Nominated |
| Wildflower Film Awards | Best Screenplay | Kim Bora | Nominated |
| Wildflower Film Awards | Best Cinematography | Kang Gook-hyun | Won |
| Korean Film Producers Association Awards | Best Film | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Ale Kino! International Young Audience Film Festival | Best Film | House of Hummingbird | Nominated |
| Cyprus International Film Festival | Glocal Images | Kim Bora, Mass Ornament Films | Won |
| Heartland Film Festival | Grand Prize for Best Narrative Feature | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| International Istanbul Film Festival | Golden Tulip | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Seoul Independent Film Festival | Best Film | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Seoul Independent Film Festival | Committee Award | Kim Bora | Won |
| Washington West Film Festival | Best Feature Narrative Director | Kim Bora | Won |
| Nikkan Sports Film Award | Best Foreign Film | House of Hummingbird | Won |
| Ljubljana LGBT Film Festival | Pink Dragon Jury Award | House of Hummingbird | Won |