The Girl from Yesterday

Primarily set in 1997, the narrative follows Thu from childhood into adolescence. The late 1990s backdrop shapes school life, family routines, and the pace of young romance in a Southern Vietnamese setting. The notebook and memories anchor the story, bridging past friendships with present emotions.

Set in the Southern Vietnam region in 1997, the story unfolds within a close-knit neighborhood around homes and a local school. The setting emphasizes everyday, intimate spaces where friendships form and memories are made. The atmosphere carries a nostalgic, small-town feel rooted in community and daily life.

💖 First Love

Thu's pursuit of Viet An unfolds alongside his lingering memory of Tiểu Ly, anchoring the romantic arc. The film presents first love as tender and awkward, shaped by constraints and acts of kindness. Relationships emerge within a web of friendships, money worries, and social expectations. Small gestures and sacrifices drive the emotional stakes of growing up.

🕰️ Nostalgia

A secret notebook acts as a bridge between past and present, preserving childhood memories. The story uses flashbacks to highlight Thu and Tiểu Ly's bond and the enduring pull of that time. Nostalgia grounds the narrative, suggesting that past loves and friendships continue to guide choices. The reveal adds a bittersweet layer to how memory informs identity.

🤝 Friendship

Friendship provides the backbone of Thu's world, with Hai and Viet An's friends offering support, humor, and conflict. The group navigates school suspensions, notes, and shared secrets, illustrating loyalty and resilience. The romantic plot is intertwined with evolving relationships among friends, including shared affection and mutual protection. The community's interlinked bonds culminate in pairs forming from long-standing connections.