26
37
4
2
2
4
5
4
7
1
3
3
1
2
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
3
10
2
5
A Charming, Nostalgic Romcom with Heart
Love Untangled is a delightful romantic comedy that captures the awkward, hopeful essence of teenage love in 1998 Busan. The story follows Park Se-ri, a high schooler who believes straightening her curly hair will win the heart of her crush, Kim Hyun. Enter Han Yun-seok, a kind-hearted transfer student, and Se-ri’s journey shifts from chasing approval to embracing her true self.
The film’s biggest strength is Shin Eun-soo’s magnetic performance as Se-ri. She brings infectious energy and relatability, making every moment of self-doubt and triumph feel authentic. Gong Myung’s Yun-seok is equally endearing, his quiet vulnerability balancing Se-ri’s vibrancy, though their chemistry sometimes feels gentle rather than electric. The nostalgic 90s setting, complete with pagers, retro bikes, and a sunny Busan backdrop, creates a warm, wistful vibe that’s hard to resist. Cameos by familiar faces add a playful touch, and the soundtrack’s catchy '90s tunes amplify the charm.
The “love yourself” message, tied to Se-ri’s curly hair, is refreshing and avoids cliché beauty-makeover tropes. However, the nearly two-hour runtime drags in the middle, and the story leans heavily on familiar romcom beats: the love triangle, the misunderstanding, the tidy resolution. A subplot about domestic violence adds emotional weight but feels rushed, leaving some depth unexplored. Supporting characters, like Se-ri’s twin sister, could’ve been fleshed out to enrich the story.
At its core, Love Untangled is a feel-good escape that doesn’t reinvent the genre but doesn’t need to. It’s sweet, sincere, and perfect for anyone craving a lighthearted teen romance with a side of nostalgia.
The film’s biggest strength is Shin Eun-soo’s magnetic performance as Se-ri. She brings infectious energy and relatability, making every moment of self-doubt and triumph feel authentic. Gong Myung’s Yun-seok is equally endearing, his quiet vulnerability balancing Se-ri’s vibrancy, though their chemistry sometimes feels gentle rather than electric. The nostalgic 90s setting, complete with pagers, retro bikes, and a sunny Busan backdrop, creates a warm, wistful vibe that’s hard to resist. Cameos by familiar faces add a playful touch, and the soundtrack’s catchy '90s tunes amplify the charm.
The “love yourself” message, tied to Se-ri’s curly hair, is refreshing and avoids cliché beauty-makeover tropes. However, the nearly two-hour runtime drags in the middle, and the story leans heavily on familiar romcom beats: the love triangle, the misunderstanding, the tidy resolution. A subplot about domestic violence adds emotional weight but feels rushed, leaving some depth unexplored. Supporting characters, like Se-ri’s twin sister, could’ve been fleshed out to enrich the story.
At its core, Love Untangled is a feel-good escape that doesn’t reinvent the genre but doesn’t need to. It’s sweet, sincere, and perfect for anyone craving a lighthearted teen romance with a side of nostalgia.
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