For this edition of our movie review, we’re talking about a recent Netflix film that beautifully captures the sweetness of youth, the awkwardness of first love, and the struggles of self-acceptance. Let’s dive into ‘Love Untangled.’
Written by Ji Choon-hee and Wang Du-ri, and directed by Namkoong Sun, ‘Love Untangled’ follows the story of a high school girl in the late 1990s who sets her heart on confessing to her crush, only to find love and courage in the most unexpected places.
The Struggles of Se-Ri
Park Se-ri (Shin Eun-soo) is a free-spirited high school senior with a twin sister who is her complete opposite, studious, straight-laced, and with perfectly sleek hair. By contrast, Se-ri’s unruly curly hair becomes her biggest insecurity, especially after discovering that her crush prefers girls with long, straight locks.
Determined to win his heart, Se-ri recruits her friends to help with her plan. Along the way, she introduces the group to Han Yun-seok (Gong Myung), a mysterious transfer student who arrives at school on crutches after failing to take his university entrance exams in Seoul.
An Unexpected Connection
Se-ri’s kindness leads her to help Yun-seok, only to discover that his mother runs the town’s new hair salon and is the first to offer a professional hair-straightening treatment. Se-ri’s desire for transformation pushes her to spend more time with Yun-seok, and slowly, he becomes part of her close-knit circle of friends.
But as Yun-seok helps her with her romantic plans, something unexpected happens, their friendship blossoms into something deeper. Even when Se-ri finally achieves her dream of straight hair, her feelings for her crush fade, and she realizes her true connection is with Yun-seok, who has admired her natural curls all along.
First Loves, Lasting Lessons
‘Love Untangled’ is a charming and heartwarming film about first loves, insecurities, and the friendships that shape who we are. The cast perfectly captures the innocence and raw emotions of teenage years, making it an easy, comforting watch.
While the timeline may feel a little confusing at moments, the film’s sincerity shines through. With its nostalgic 90s setting, lighthearted storytelling, and tender message about embracing one’s true self, ‘Love Untangled’ is a sweet reminder that love often finds us when we least expect it.
This movie is now streaming on Netflix, and you can watch the trailer below.
