Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Drama

House of Hummingbird (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

House of Hummingbird (2020) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
98%
worldwide gross
$153.3M
Echo Score
83
Loading streaming availability…
House of Hummingbird (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 18m (138 min)
Director
Bora Kim
Genre
Drama
Original language
Korean
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

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.

Ratings

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).

83 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

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.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$153.3M

US & Canada
$53.8M
International
$99.5M
US & Canada 35% Rest of the world 65%
Videos

House of Hummingbird Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

House of Hummingbird (2019)
  • Trailer HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD (2020) Official Trailer | Korean Drama
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the main character Eun-hee's passion?

Seen House of Hummingbird?

FAQ

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.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app