House of Hummingbird (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
House of Hummingbird is a 2020 drama directed by Bora Kim, starring Ji-hu Park, Seung-Yun Lee and Sae-byeok Kim. It runs 2 hours 18 minutes and earned $153.3 million worldwide. Critics gave it 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 18m (138 min)
- Director
- Bora Kim
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Korean
- Studio
- Well Go USA Entertainment
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is House of Hummingbird About?
The premise of House of Hummingbird without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In 1994 Seoul, the introverted and sensitive Eun-hee, a 14-year-old girl, feels isolated and yearns for connection. Seeking moments of joy and understanding, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with teenage emotions and the confusion of adolescence. Along the way, she finds solace in her friendship with another girl and encounters a teacher who recognizes her inner struggles and offers a glimpse of acceptance.
House of Hummingbird Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- coming of age
- year 1994
- 14 year old
- seoul
- friendship between girls
- dysfunctional family
- bridge collapse
- school uniform
- backpack
- lgbt plus
- high school
- adolescence
+38 more Show fewer
- lgbt
- female sexuality
- female writer
- writer director
- asia
- korea
- female protagonist
- title directed by female
- south korea
- schoolgirl uniform
- english class
- high school girl
- apartment block
- father daughter relationship
- seoul korea
- strained mother daughter relationship
- locked out
- reading aloud
- child hiding in a closet
- sisters relationship
- verbal abuse
- tween girl
- passing a note in class
- wearing a face mask
- tutor
- comic drawing
- abusive brother
- talking about suicide
- fat lip
- world cup
- 8th grade
- medical exam
- first kiss
- french kissing
- girl in school uniform
- massage
- biopsy
- funeral
House of Hummingbird Cast & Characters
Ji-hu Park leads the cast, with Seung-Yun Lee and Sae-byeok Kim as Yong-ji. Directed by Bora Kim; 4 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Bora Kim
- Ji-hu Park
-
Seung-Yun Lee - Sae-byeok Kim as Yong-ji
- In-gi Jeong as Eun-hee's father
House of Hummingbird Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave House of Hummingbird 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).
House of Hummingbird Echo Score Breakdown
House of Hummingbird offers a nuanced coming of age drama anchored by intimate direction and authentic performances. The film’s measured pacing and pointillist storytelling invite viewers into Eun-hee’s world, while subtle cinematic choices build textured emotional moments. Though some viewers note a meandering structure and extended runtime, the general consensus highlights its introspective resonance and quiet power. Ultimately, this balanced portrait leaves a lasting impression through honest reflection and thoughtful artistry.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
In terms of Art & Craft, Kim’s direction employs a restrained yet expressive style. The pointillist approach of short, textured scenes and deliberate framing enhances the intimate tone. Zoe Sua Cho’s editing choices and understated visual palette foster cohesion. Scenic compositions and ambient details work in concert to create an immersive aesthetic that underscores the film’s contemplative mood.
- Character & Emotion 90
When it comes to Character & Emotion, the cast delivers nuanced and authentic performances. Park’s portrayal of Eun-hee captures vulnerability and resilience, while supporting roles convey the tensions of family dynamics. The subtle emotional beats and developing relationships, especially between Eun-hee and her teacher, establish resonance without melodrama. Together, these elements foster deep audience empathy and emotional investment.
- Story & Flow 75
In terms of Story & Flow, the narrative unfolds through episodic vignettes that explore adolescence with realism. The pacing is measured, allowing character moments to breathe, though occasional meandering sequences and predictability surface. Nevertheless, the film’s intimate structure provides insight into Eun-hee’s internal journey. Despite modest narrative lulls, the story remains engaging through its authentic depiction of personal growth.
- Sensory Experience 80
Regarding Sensory Experience, the film blends a subtle score and soft sound design to support the narrative’s introspective tone. Cinematography features naturalistic lighting and a muted color palette that enhances emotional texture. The audio-visual cohesion creates a quiet ambiance that draws attention to small gestures and nuanced performances, reinforcing the film’s contemplative atmosphere.
- Rewatch Factor 70
As for Rewatch Factor, the film’s layered details and authentic emotional arcs invite repeat viewings to uncover subtleties. Its deliberate pacing and reflective style reward attentive audiences, though some may find the extended runtime limiting. Ultimately, viewers drawn to measured storytelling and character nuance will likely revisit the film for its quiet depth and lasting moments.
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IMDb 7.4 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 98% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 74%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 82 Metascore
User score 7.1
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 76% User score
See on TMDB -
Movie Insider 3.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
House of Hummingbird Plot Summary
What happens in House of Hummingbird from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In Seoul, during the year 1994, we meet Eun-hee, a quiet 14-year-old girl from a working-class background who is on the verge of starting high school. She has a passion for drawing and enjoys spending time with her best friend, Ji-hu Park, as they attend cram school together. Eun-hee is secretly dating her boyfriend, Ji-wan, who holds a special place in her heart. Meanwhile, her parents, especially her father, often overlook her emotional needs, focusing instead on her older brother, who mistreats her both physically and verbally. Her older sister faces similar neglect and abuse.
Full summary
The whole story of House of Hummingbird, scene by scene
House of Hummingbird Box Office
House of Hummingbird grossed $153.3 million worldwide. $53.8 million came from the US and Canada and $99.5 million (65%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$153.3M
- US & Canada
- $53.8M
- International
- $99.5M
House of Hummingbird Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD (2020) Official Trailer | Korean Drama
How Well Do You Know House of Hummingbird?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the main character Eun-hee's passion?
Seen House of Hummingbird?
Movies Like House of Hummingbird
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including House of Hummingbird, The House of Tomorrow and House of Harmony.
House of Hummingbird FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of House of Hummingbird, each answered in a sentence.
How long is House of Hummingbird?
House of Hummingbird runs 2 hours 18 minutes (138 minutes).
When was House of Hummingbird released?
House of Hummingbird was released on June 26, 2020.
Who directed House of Hummingbird?
House of Hummingbird was directed by Bora Kim.
More films by Bora Kim Who is in the cast of House of Hummingbird?
House of Hummingbird stars Ji-hu Park, Seung-Yun Lee and Sae-byeok Kim as Yong-ji, among 4 credited actors.
How much did House of Hummingbird make at the box office?
House of Hummingbird grossed $153.3 million worldwide ($53.8 million domestic, $99.5 million international).
How is House of Hummingbird rated?
House of Hummingbird has 7.4/10 on IMDb, 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic and 76% on TMDB.
Does House of Hummingbird have a post-credit scene?
No. House of Hummingbird has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is House of Hummingbird in?
The original language of House of Hummingbird is Korean.
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