Be With You

Be With You is a sentimental, heartwarming film that was released in 2018, directed by Lee Jang-hoon, featuring a formidable starring partnership of So Ji-seob and Son Ye-jin. The film orbits around the themes of love, family, loss, and how promises can transcend the unfathomable nature of time and space. This riveting tale masterfully intertwines reality, fantasy, and folklore, immersing the audience in an emotional journey that can elicit both laughter and tears.

In the lead role, we have So Ji-seob as Woo-jin, a dedicated single father working to balance his job and raise his son, Ji-ho, played by the young actor, Yoo-ram Bae. Woo-jin is characterized by his quiet strength and resilience, in the face of both every-day struggles and against the overarching pain of a loss that hangs like a pall over his life—his beloved wife's departure. So Ji-seb's nuanced performance draws the audience in, prompting them to become heavily invested in his character's journey.

Son Ye-jin mesmerizes as Soo-ah, Woo-jin's late wife. Her character is the epitome of a loving, compassionate wife and mother, whose presence and influence continue to resonate long after her death. As the story progresses, we catch a glimpse of the humor, charm, and tenderness of Soo-ah in Son Ye-jin's performance.

The pivotal point in Be With You comes with the fulfillment of an unusual promise that Soo-ah had made. She told her husband and son that she would return on a rainy day one year following her death. Seemingly against all odds, a woman who appears to be Soo-ah is discovered in the midst of a downpour exactly a year afterward. However, the situation comes with a twist: she doesn't remember her past life or the family that has been awaiting her return.

Numerous flashbacks are intertwined with the main storyline, which offer intriguing insights into the characters’ lives before their current struggle. This is where the movie intensifies its detailing, weaving heavier themes of unshakeable love and painful loss with lighter moments of domestic hilarity and fervor. Contributing to the film's quality and resonating with the audience are the wonderfully designed set pieces and the exceptional cinematography that perfectly captures both mundane and magical moments host within the movie.

Be With You also places heavy emphasis on the father-son relationship. Ji-ho’s character is wonderfully brought to life by the young actor Yoo-ram Bae. His portrayal of a child caught between a sense of immature understanding and the harsh reality of his mother's departure strikes a chord, making the dynamics between Ji-ho and Woo-jin even more poignant.

This film is based on the 2004 Japanese novel of the same name, written by Ichikawa Takuji. It manages to capture the essence of the narrative while interlacing it with Korean sentimentality, creating an emotionally charged drama that's relevant to its geography.

The screenplay intelligently balances the elements of romance and tragedy, wrapped up in a delicately woven supernatural premise. Be With You can be classified as a romantic drama, but it surpasses the cliches often linked with the genre. Its premise thrives on emotional depth and authenticity, the intricate character dynamics, and the striking performances from the lead actors.

In conclusion, Be With You is an engrossing movie that invites its audience on an emotional journey that explores the profundity of familial bonds and the enduring strength of love amid life's greatest trials. The performances of So Ji-seob and Son Ye-jin are mesmerizing, breathing life into a story that’s undeniably moving. The direction and screenplay subtly illuminate life's simple yet profound moments, allowing audiences to relate to the characters and their experiences on various emotional levels. A warning to viewers, this movie tends to tug on heartstrings, so do keep a box of tissues nearby.