* This article contains spoilers
Directed by Sun Nam Koong, the film is set in 1998 in the coastal city of Busan, South Korea. Park Se Ri (Shin Eun Soo) feels insecure about her naturally curly hair. She believes that only by changing her appearance can she confess her feelings to Kim Hyun (Cha Woo Min). However, things take an unexpected turn when Han Yun Seok (Gong Myung), a year older than her, enrolls at her school.
From the opening scenes, the screenwriter highlights Se Ri's obsession with her hair. Her appearance becomes a psychological burden, making her feel out of control, and serves as a metaphor for her anxieties and pressures. Her desire for a makeover leads her and her friends on various hair-transformation schemes. Throughout this process, themes of friendship, love, and the fear of rejection evoke memories of high school life.
Besides her friends, Se Ri finds support in Yun Seok, a transfer student from Seoul who moved to Busan after dropping out of the university entrance exam. Initially indifferent towards her, he gradually becomes captivated by her sincerity. Yun Seok appreciates Se Ri for who she is, folding thousands of paper cranes, taking practice exams to create opportunities for her to confess to Kim Hyun, and even becoming an excuse for her to get a free perm.
Beyond portraying high school life, the film delivers a message about self-love. Se Ri not only tries to win Kim Hyun's heart but, more importantly, learns to confront and appreciate herself. The film reminds us that individual differences contribute to one's identity. By accepting these differences, we can fully love and be loved.
The young cast delivers strong performances. Shin Eun Soo portrays a blend of innocence and emotional depth through her facial expressions. According to the *JoongAng Daily*, her Busan dialect adds to her charm, making Park Se Ri relatable and endearing. Gong Myung, known for his edgier roles in *Killing Romance* and *Please Quit Drinking*, captivates audiences with his portrayal of a high school student. His performance presents a calm and composed character who tries to fit in with his new friends.
The supporting characters contribute to a vibrant portrayal of life. Se Ri's close friends, family, and Yun Seok's mother provide both humorous and touching moments. Cameo appearances by Gong Yoo and Jung Yu Mi as a married couple add an unexpected twist.
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Shin Eun Soo shines as the lead in "Love Untangled". Photo: Netflix |
Shin Eun Soo shines as the lead in "Love Untangled". Photo: Netflix
The film evokes a nostalgic atmosphere of late 1990s Busan. Without smartphones or social media, connections are maintained through pagers and public phones. Picnics become opportunities for students to bond and create lasting memories. Music also plays a role in establishing the setting. Songs like *I'm Your Girl* (S.E.S) and *Inside the Bus* (Ja Ja) become the soundtrack to bonfires and field trips.
*Nate* praised director Sun Nam Koong's ability to blend artistry with the entertainment value of the teen genre. She dedicates ample screen time to portraying the preparation, anxieties, and determination involved in expressing love. However, the predictable ending leaves the audience with a sense of incompleteness. The nostalgic motif follows a familiar formula seen in *Reply 1997* and *You Are the Apple of My Eye*.
Que Chi
