House of Hummingbird

The story unfolds in the mid-1990s Seoul, a period of rapid economic and social transition in South Korea. The year features notable events, like the Seongsu Bridge collapse, which echoes the film's themes of fragility and loss. The time setting shapes daily life, schooling, and family dynamics for Eun-hee and her siblings.

Set in Seoul in 1994, the film follows a working-class family navigating a city of crowded streets and hidden pressures. The capital's mix of old neighborhoods and rapid change provides the backdrop for Eun-hee's coming-of-age. The year is marked by social tensions, family struggles, and a city that bears witness to personal resilience.

🌱 Coming of Age

Eun-hee's adolescence is tested by poverty, abuse, and first love. The story tracks her growing sense of self, resilience, and determination to pursue art and a better future. Friendship and mentors help her navigate heartbreaks and harsh realities, highlighting a messy but hopeful transition to adulthood.

🏠 Family & Home

The film scrutinizes parental neglect and protective love within a working-class family. Siblings support each other even as households struggle under pressure and violence. The home becomes a site of both hurt and learning, shaping Eun-hee's reactions to trust and loyalty.

🏥 Health & Hospital

A medical crisis reveals vulnerability and the costs of suffering. Eun-hee's tumor diagnosis and surgery become pivotal moments of fear, courage, and personal growth. The hospital scenes underscore the fragility of life and the strength found in recovery and support from friends and family.