So Young is a 2013 Chinese coming-of-age drama film directed by Zhao Wei and based on the novel "To Our Youth That is Fading Away" by Xin Yiwu. The film stars Mark Chao as Chen Hao-Zheng, Geng Le as Lin Jing and Yang Zishan as Zheng Wei.
The film begins with Zheng Wei as a successful businesswoman in her thirties who reminisces about her university life. The story then flashes back to the early ‘90s when Zheng Wei, naive yet hopeful for love, enters university as a freshman. She forms a close circle of friends in her dormitory - the outspoken and free-spirited Xiao Tao, the serious and studious Lily, the quiet and reserved An Qi, and Zhang Yuan, a guy who secretly has a crush on her.
One day, Zheng Wei bumps into Chen Hao-Zheng, a handsome and wealthy senior who also happens to be Xiao Tao's cousin. Initially, Chen is dismissive of Zheng Wei but grows interested in her after watching her play basketball. He eventually asks her out, and they become a couple despite Xiao Tao's warnings that he is unreliable.
Chen and Zheng Wei's relationship faces many ups and downs, including Chen's disapproving mother and his decision to study abroad in the United States, leaving Zheng Wei behind. While Chen is away, Zheng Wei meets and falls for Lin Jing, a charismatic and talented musician.
When Chen returns to China, he finds that Zheng Wei has moved on with Lin Jing and is devastated. After a series of misunderstandings and heartbreaks, Zheng Wei and Chen break up for good. In the years that follow, Zheng Wei and her friends pursue their careers and personal lives, with Chen and Lin eventually reappearing in her life.
Zheng Wei is torn between her unresolved feelings for Chen, her lingering love for Lin, and her aspirations for personal fulfillment. She must decide what truly matters to her as she navigates the complexities of love and life.
So Young received critical acclaim for its sensitive and honest portrayal of youth, romance, and personal growth. It also broke box office records in China, earning more than 700 million yuan (approximately $105 million) during its theatrical run.
