Synopsis
Nora and Hae Sung start out as inseparable schoolmates in South Korea, sharing the kind of pure friendship that only kids can have. But life has other plans when Nora’s family moves to Canada, setting them on separate paths. While Nora chases her creative dreams, Hae Sung navigates the traditional expectations of Korean life, including military service and corporate culture.
Their story takes a turn when social media brings them back into each other’s orbits. Their Skype conversations rekindle their connection, stirring up questions about roads not taken and whether some connections are meant to last forever.
The plot thickens when Hae Sung visits New York, where Nora now lives with her husband Arthur, creating a delicate situation that forces all three to confront their feelings about love, timing, and fate.
What I Liked
- The movie tackles matters of the heart with remarkable kindness, avoiding melodrama in favor of quiet moments that pack an emotional punch. There’s something special about how it channels Eastern cultural sensibilities about expressing feelings – sometimes what’s left unsaid speaks volumes.
- The way it shows how our choices – both the ones we make, and the ones made for us – shape our lives really hits home. You can’t help but feel for everyone caught in this emotional web.
- I love how it introduces us to the Korean concept of “Inyun” – the idea that our connections span multiple lifetimes. While I’m not sold on the concept personally, it adds a fascinating layer to understanding why these characters approach their situation with such acceptance.
What Could Be Better
- I was hoping Arthur would serve as our Western lens into this culturally rich story, helping bridge the gap between Eastern and Western perspectives on love and destiny. Instead, he stays more on the sidelines.
- The movie takes its time telling its story – which mostly works but occasionally tests our patience.
- While I appreciate the authentic approach to storytelling, some viewers might find themselves wanting more closure by the end.
My Insight
In a fast-paced world, Past Lives feels like a breath of fresh air. It reminds us that powerful emotions don’t always need grand gestures or dramatic speeches – sometimes they’re found in quiet glances and unspoken words.
What makes this film special goes beyond its love story. It offers a window into a different way of moving through life, one that might feel refreshingly unfamiliar to Western audiences. It’s particularly impressive how Celine Song, in her first time directing, brings such a gentle touch to the material. There’s something beautifully unpretentious about how she tells this story, making it stand out in a landscape where genuine romantic films – not to mention original stories – have become increasingly rare.
Rating ⭐8/10
A beautifully crafted meditation on love, timing, and cultural identity that asks the age-old question “what if?” – but with a fresh perspective that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Extras
Films with Complex Romantic Decisions
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995). Dir. Clint Eastwood
- Casablanca (1942). Dir. Michael Curtiz
- La La land (2016). Dir. Damien Chazelle
- Before Trilogy: Sunrise, Sunset, Midnight (1995, 2004, 2013) Dir. Richard Linklater
- Call me by your Name (2017) Dir. Luca Guadagnino
For Discussion
“Past Lives” introduces us to the intriguing concept that our destinies might be written in the stars, with our souls playing out different roles across multiple lifetimes. While I lean more toward believing we’re the authors of our own stories (with life being more of a one-time-only event), I can’t help but appreciate how this perspective might make the daily grind more meaningful. It’s like how different belief systems can provide comfort and purpose, even if we don’t personally subscribe to them.
Technical Details
Release Date: 2023
Director and Screenwriter: Celine Song
Cinematography: Shabier Kirchner
Starring: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro.
Runtime: 105 minutes
Distributor: A24
Genre: Romantic Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix
