Soulmate (2023)

Shot from the movie

Soulmate 2023

7.4/10
Two childhood friends find their soulmate in this stunning, tearjerking drama

There are some connections that transcend definition, becoming more important and fundamental to one’s life than that of a romantic relationship. Not many people are lucky to have experienced it, but nevertheless it’s true. Soulmate is the Korean adaptation of the 2016 Chinese directorial debut, and while it’s faithful to the source material, there’s a focus to this rendition that elevates the film, with a greater emphasis on the titular soulmates rather than the boy that tore them apart. Because of this, Soulmate is much more emotionally devastating, neatly shifting some character revelations in order to grant the weight each moment deserves.

Synopsis

Mi-so, a 12 years old girl who transferred from Seoul to Jeju island, meets Ha-eun. They promise never to seperate. At the age of 18, Ha-eun's boyfriend, Jin-woo breaks two girls's friendship. Few years later, they come apart as their lives go seperate ways. Now they are 27, and they finally meet again. They've missed each other. After 15 years, will they truly understand each other?

Storyline

When they were 12 years old in Jeju Island, Ahn Mi-so and Go Ha-eun promised to never separate. When they were 18, Ha-eun got a boyfriend, and Mi-so moved back to Seoul, breaking the girls’ friendship. Now, they’re both 27, meeting years after they last spoke to each other.

TLDR

I literally reviewed the original Chinese version, so I already know how this will go… but why am I still crying?

What stands out

They decided to focus more on the girls rather than the guy, and it’s not a big change, but it makes the film feel more tonally consistent all throughout.