The film Victory features the Millennium Girls cheerleading club, led by Pil Sun (Hyeri), whose dream is to become a dancer. It perfectly captures the free and dreamy essence of Korea in the 1990s. Here are five films that, like Victory, dive into the retro vibes of years gone by.
1. Soulmate (2023)
Soulmate explores the ups and downs of a friendship between two women who grew up together, as they navigate the complexities of adulthood. This film is an adaptation of the Chinese film Soul Mate, based on the novel Qiyue and Ansheng.
It examines the dynamic between Mi So (Kim Da Mi), who seeks to live freely while being close to her friend Ha Eun (Jeon So Nee), and Ha Eun, who admires Mi So’s free spirit while leading a stable life. The relationship between them is tested with the appearance of Jin Woo (Byeon Woo Seok) and Mi So’s departure for the big city. The film delicately captures love and friendship against a backdrop of 1990s and 2000s culture, including trends of the time like Cyworld and Canmore.
2. Miracle: Letters to the President (2021)
Miracle: Letters to the President is based on the true story of a remote village with a railway line but no station. Jun Kyeong (Park Jung Min), a reserved and unsociable young man, seeks to build a train station in his village with the support of Ra Hee (YoonA), the daughter of a deputy.
By sending letters to the Blue House, taking a national test, and participating in a presidential math competition, he becomes closer to Ra Hee. The film features retro 1980s fashion and reveals Jun Kyeong’s tragic family story in its second half, touching viewers deeply.
3. Sunset in My Hometown (2018)
Sunset in My Hometown follows a young man who confronts his embarrassing past after an unexpected incident. Hak Soo (Park Jung Min), an unknown rapper, returns to his hometown after learning that his father is ill.
There, he reunites with his childhood sweetheart, Sun Mi (Kim Go Eun), and old friends, being forced to face his past. The film offers enjoyable moments thanks to the actors’ humorous performances, vibrant characters and Park Jung Min’s powerful rap, overshadowing the dialogues. Although set in contemporary times, the film has a retro vibe.
4. Hot Young Bloods (2014)
Hot Young Bloods is set in a rural village in Chungcheong Province in the 1980s and depicts the tempestuous romances of teenagers. The love triangle between rebellious girl Young Sook (Park Bo Young), Don Juan Jung Gil (Lee Jong Suk) and fighter Gwang Sik (Kim Young Kwang) becomes complicated with the arrival of So Hee (Lee Se Young), a new student from Seoul.
Jung Gil, who shows interest in So Hee, realizes his feelings for Young Sook, who sacrificed for him, after his victory over Gwang Sik. Lee Jong Suk excels as the playboy, and Park Bo Young shines as the rebellious girl, adding depth to the film.
5. Sunny (2011)
Sunny jumps between the 1980s and today, telling the story of a group of friends known as the “Seven Princesses”. In 2010, Na Mi (Yoo Ho Jung), an ordinary housewife, accidentally reunites with her seriously ill high school friend Chun Hwa (Jin Hee Kyung) and decides to gather the rest of their group together, rekindling a glorious chapter of their youth.
The chemistry between the actresses playing their teenage versions, including Kang So Ra, Shim Eun Kyung, Park Jin Joo, Nam Bora, Min Hyo Rin, and others, is captivating. The skillful use of the 1980s era propelled the film to immense popularity, leading to remakes in Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and China.
What is your favorite retro film among these? Share your choices in comments!