Soulmate Film Review: No Less Sweet Than The Oriential Version

JAKARTA - South Korea is no less aggressive in presenting the coming of age genre with various stories, one of which is Soulmate. This film is an adaptation of the same Mandarin film that aired in 2016.

Soulmate was directed by Min Young Geun, a director who spawned romance stories in his work, such as Re-encounters and Just Friends. This time he directed a story of friendship as well as romance starring three young actors.

Kim Da Mi, Jeon So Nee, and Byun Woo Seok became the three main characters. In addition, this film stars Heo Ji Na, Jang Hye Jin, Park Chung Seon, Nam Yoon Su, Kang Mal Geum, and Hyun Bong Sik.

The original film received positive appreciation when it first aired. Therefore, a similar expectation is also expected for the Korean version of Soulmate. Is that like that?

Soulmate tells the story of Ahn Mi So (Kim Da Mi) who moves to Jeju from Seoul to start a new life. His 13-year-old move made him meet Go Ha Eun (Jeon So Nee). The two of them became friends and their friendship began.

Ahn Mi So is a free, outgoing, and indifferent person while Go Ha Eun has a quiet and obedient nature. This difference in character does not prevent the two from continuing to be friends until they are teenagers.

Go Ha Eun once admitted that she was liking someone she had only seen once. Ahn Mi So as a good friend wants to bring happiness to his friend. Therefore he is willing to find out information for Ha Eun. The figure is Jin Woo (Byun Woo Seok).

Jin Woo's presence made Mi So and Ha Eun's friendship even more colorful. Until one incident made the three separate. Several years passed, Mi So and Ha Eun were reunited. They questioned if they were really friends.

Chemistry between Kim Da Mi and Jeon So Ne flashed sweetly throughout the film. The changes in each character, which were originally in line, began to vary with conflict. Both of them both like pictures but have different trips with pictures.

The story of a slice of life combined with adult development also changes them. Without a strong character, maybe the story doesn't flow well. However, reflecting on the original, the Korean version is no less strong in presenting the character.

Ahn Mi So, who has a free soul, even feels the narrowness of the world. Working in the club world, doesn't have anything to look after, so I hope to end life like his idol, Janis Joplin. On the other hand, Go Ha Eun keeps her journey according to plan, with Jin Woo and form a harmonious family.

The visuals also support the film Soulmate which displays a back and forth flow. A sweet pastel color and not too much makes the film very much enjoyed to watch.

The film Soulmate adds to the lineup of coming of age films that have succeeded in creating nostalgic moments that are closely shared in memory. Watching this film with friends can be a fun experience.

The film Soulmate is showing in Indonesian cinemas starting Wednesday, March 22, 2023.