The beloved South Korean musical "Maybe Happy Ending" has successfully made the transition from stage to screen with a tender film adaptation titled "My Favorite Love Story." Before achieving international acclaim by winning six Tony Awards this year, including Best Musical, the original production had already captured hearts in South Korea for nearly a decade.

The musical first emerged in 2014 through a local cultural foundation's development program and gained widespread recognition upon its Seoul debut in 2016. Critics and audiences praised the production for its innovative futuristic setting, fresh storytelling approach, and remarkably subtle emotional depth that set it apart from conventional musical theater.

Director Lee Won-hoi has now brought this acclaimed stage work to cinemas, maintaining the original Korean title while releasing it internationally as "My Favorite Love Story." The film successfully preserves the delicate charm and contemplative storytelling that made the original musical so compelling, despite the inherent challenges of adapting stage productions for the big screen.

Set in a near-future version of Seoul, the story centers on Oliver, portrayed by Shin Joo-hyup, and Claire, played by Kang Hye-in. These two obsolete helper robots live isolated lives in separate apartments after being discarded by their human owners in favor of newer, more advanced models. Both characters struggle with feelings of abandonment and a deep longing to rediscover their purpose and usefulness in a world that has moved beyond them.

Their unexpected connection begins when Claire approaches Oliver's apartment seeking to use his charger. Despite not being programmed to experience love or complex emotions, the two robots gradually develop a meaningful bond through awkward conversations that slowly become more comfortable and natural. They spend increasing amounts of time together, exploring the city, sharing music, and simply enjoying each other's company.

As their relationship deepens, Oliver and Claire embark on a significant journey to Jeju Island to search for James, played by Yoo Jun-sang, who was Oliver's beloved former owner before mysteriously disappearing from his life. This road trip becomes a pivotal moment in their developing relationship, as what began as simple companionship transforms into a profound love that neither character fully understands or knows how to process.

The film masterfully translates the original musical's intimate and contemplative atmosphere to the big screen, creating an immersive experience that invites viewers to accompany these human-like companion robots on their lyrical journey of self-discovery. The soundtrack features soft, gentle pop ballads that emerge naturally from the characters' conversations, functioning like whispered confessions that advance the narrative without overwhelming the audience.

Visually, the film employs muted colors and soft lighting techniques that enhance its dreamlike quality, creating the sensation that viewers are witnessing a cherished memory unfold. This aesthetic choice reinforces the story's themes of nostalgia, longing, and the bittersweet nature of connection and loss.

Both lead actors, who previously starred in the 2018 Korean stage production of the musical, deliver exceptional performances that skillfully balance their characters' robotic nature with growing emotional depth. They successfully overcome the initial challenge of appearing mechanically stiff while gradually revealing a restrained yet deeply moving range of emotions, including hesitation, fear, hope, and love.

Through Oliver and Claire's shared experience of being deemed obsolete and discarded by society, the characters serve as powerful metaphors for socially marginalized groups. Their struggle with being replaced by newer models while grappling with programmed limitations and emerging feelings highlights universal human themes of connection, belonging, and the fear of becoming irrelevant in an increasingly fast-paced world.

The original musical's creators, writer Park Chun-hue (also known as Hue Park) and composer Will Aronson, have previously stated they were not directly involved in the film's production process. However, the adaptation clearly respects and honors their original vision while successfully translating the work to a new medium.

"My Favorite Love Story" had its world premiere at the Jeonju International Music and Film Festival in 2023, where it received positive reception from critics and audiences alike. The film is scheduled for its wider domestic release on Thursday, bringing this touching story of love, connection, and rediscovering purpose to a broader audience eager to experience this unique blend of science fiction and romance.