Movie Review: Past Lives

 Movie Number 31 of 2023

The Movie: Past Lives

The Cinema: The Rivoli, Camberwell

Stars: 5

This one hit me right in the solar plexus. Some reviews are saying this is the best movie of 2023. I'd put it in the top five with ease. As a small, independent film, this is incredible. Pitch perfect. Mwah!

Nora (the inimitable Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) are deeply connected friends from childhood. At the start of the film we see the two kids have a bond which you only develop in childhood. But Nora and her family move to Canada, leaving the kids separated and lonely. The children playing Nora and Hae Sung are excellent, which sets the film up beautifully.

The film moves on twelve years, where Nora tracks down Hae Sung on Facebook. The relationship which was there as children is rekindled over the internet. At this time both are students. Hae Sung has to complete his studies and do his military service. Nora has worked hard to get a scholarship in New York. They talk about seeing one another in real life, but Nora pulls the pin to let herself make the most of her opportunities, including a writer's retreat in Montauk, where she meets Arthur, a fellow writer. 

Spring forward another twelve years and Hae Sung comes to New York to see Nora and to try to resolve his feelings. By this stage, Nora and Arthur are happily married. And there is the rub. Nora too has to reconcile the love of her past and the love of her present. 

Celine Song's screenplay and direction are phenomenal. This is a very understated, quiet movie. Seoul looks as dumpy and New York shines. You also have no idea what is going to happen. Will Nora leave her husband to go back to her childhood love? Will her husband make things difficult when he meets Hae Sung. And what will the luckless Hae Sung do?

The acting is also understated and on point. A lot of the film is in the Korean language, with very good subtitles. But no matter, you feel for these people, who are all caught in an impossible situation when it comes to the heart. 

Much has been made of the influx of Korean films and series that are hitting our screens. There's a reason why. Some of them are excellent. 

I adored this film. It's just perfect in ever way. It's also nice to watch a film which isn't filled with things blowing up, having sex or screwing people's lives over.

Also, as somebody who's lived out a similar situation in the past, Celine Song has got this one just right. Maybe that's why I loved this so much.

Today's song: