Growing up is hard to do. When I was kid growing up, I would always watch television shows and movies that glamorized how amazing the teenage years were. I spend many of my growing years quivering with anticipation about these “glory” years. Though, almost thirty now, I can safely say that was not the case for me when I actually arrived there. My years were absolute hell. Overflowing with gay jokes, a constant pursuit to always be the “cool” kid, and bullying galore. If you’ve met me in real life, or know me, you know I’m a pretty strange guy. My, how much has changed in that time. Fast forward three years to high school.

I became less focused on chasing popularity and more after girls. I joked in our Marriage and Mental Health Episode about how I was a whore in high school. No fooling. Until my senior year, I was probably single a total of a few days - at most. Of course, dating so much in high school, heartache ensued. I was 16 years old the first time that I had ever actually considered marriage with any of these girls. I had found my first truly serious girlfriend. Obviously, that didn’t happen but it did create a brand new breed of hell which I had yet to experience at that moment in my life: depression and suicidal thoughts. This relationship’s fallout was the first, and only, time I’ve ever considered suicide. The first time I had ever cut myself was because of this girl. Needless to say, I don’t get why we glamorize this particular section of life.

Few films actually capture the true heartache and nature of how hard growing up really is. Not everyone has a family with two parents. Not everyone has a peaceful home life. Some children face physical, verbal, and at times even sexual abuse. Yet, our media would glamorize the complete opposite. That’s why I’m so thankful for Richard Linklater’s Boyhood and the movie which we’re talking about here today, House of Hummingbird. House marks the debut from writer-director Kim Bora. It tells the story of fourteen-year-old Eun-hee (Ji-hu Park) as she operates through a rough home life, relationships with friends, and a developing ear infection. 

I’ll be honest, I’m not even sure where to begin with this film. In all honesty, I am speechless by it. What a striking debut from Bora. With one film under her belt, she proves that she is already a master of the craft. Bora crafts a compelling narrative that is as engaging as it is compelling. This coming of age story is brutally honest about the reality of family. Some of the scenes, where Park is home, are some of the toughest scenes to get through. Its’ brutal honesty allows for emotional impact and raises awareness for how some teenagers are raised. I’ll be honest, I have grown to hate how perfect families come across in media. While it’s dying out, it’s still present. House is fearless in its delivery and wondrous with every frame. 

Park, at the center of this movie, leaves me speechless. While not a debut, Park is still relatively new at acting – having less than five credits to her name. Don’t let that worry you though, she is phenomenal. Given the scenarios that her character faces she delivers a beautiful performance that is capitalized from its raw emotion. The pacing of this movie is another fantastic element to this movie. Sometimes when screenwriters are telling a coming-of-age story like this, it can be hard to produce a gripping narrative, thoughtful characters, and hold the attention of the viewer. Bora absolutely destroys any doubts about that. House, by its second act, actually keeps its’ Boyhood vibes, but grows to be Matilda. A very strange combination, I know, but it’s the impressive narrative and how the pacing of this movie unfolds. 

Overall, House of Hummingbird is 2020’s first perfect film. A striking debut from writer-director Kim Bora that proves she is a talent to have on your radar moving forward. Bora crafts a beautifully compelling story that showcases culture, puberty, relationships, and the struggle that lies in between. Ji-hu Park brings to life the protagonist with utter grace; beautifully bringing to light Bora’s vision to its fullest. House never feels rushed or dull. The story moves a brisk pace to keep the viewer interested without ever having the feeling of dragging. House of Hummingbird is Boyhood meets Matilda – it is wonderful, sweet and just beautiful from start to finish.

RORSCHACH RATING

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and you are struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message or tweet to us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by), Caless Davis, Dan Rockwood, & Brandon Miller. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. This post was edited by Cam Smith. House of Hummingbird is property of Well Go USA. We do not own nor claim any rights. House of Hummingbird is available on all major digital platforms, Blu-Ray and DVD August 4th, 2020.

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