Valentine’s Film: Past Lives
Celine Song, 2023, USA, South Korea, Colour, 106 mins, Certificate: 12
Once upon a time, in Korea, boy meets girl. They are very young, still at school. They become best friends. Then she leaves, emigrating to America with her parents. Many years after they reconnect, first online and then in person, in New York. For one momentous week, in between two languages, reflecting upon their past life and matters of love and destiny.
What if she had never left? What if they hadn’t kept in touch or never meet again?
This is a film about love and life that you can’t help but love and live with, long after you (first) experience it.
A film about identity and notions of providence that leaves unspoken all that is significant and unforgettable.
Perhaps the most realistic cinematic romance you have ever seen, this astounding, semi-autobiographical debut of Koren-Canadian, writer and director, Celine Song, features a luminous performance by Greta Lee (Na-Young/Nora), supported by the heartbreaking, quiet dignity of both Teo Yoo (Hae Sung) and John Magaro (Arthur).
It is considered by many the best film of 2023, celebrated with 2 Oscar (Best Film, Best Original Screenplay) and 3 BAFTA (Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor for Yoo and Best Film not in the English Language) nominations, among many, many more distinctions.
Here and now, film meets audience. For 106 momentous minutes, in between silences, reflecting upon past lives and matters of inyeon.
What if…?
Reviews:
“It’s difficult to convey the multilayered beauty of Past Lives beyond just urging people to see it and lose themselves in its transfixing spell.” David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter
“Past Lives is the sort of film that inspires intense thought; you walk out of the theater contemplating not only the movie itself but how it echoes situations in your own life… [It] is a great romance, a great coming-of-age story, a great tale about the ways technology can bring people together (but only so far), a great New York City film, a great story about immigrants — and a great movie, period.” Matt Singer, ScreenCrush
“Song has crafted a deliriously honest romantic drama that is utterly singular even while it calls to mind everything from Richard Linklater to Wong Kar-wai to David Lean’s Brief Encounter. This is a movie that flows over with patience, forgiveness, and tender wisdom…” Oliver Jones, Observer
““Past Lives” is the kind of movie that would surely reward multiple viewings, to better appreciate Song’s subtleties… It’s a film full of quiet magic; of the power of words not spoken, and the enduring strength of love.” Moira Macdonald, The Seattle Times