Direction: Celine Song
Country: USA
First-time feature director Celine Song captures an amazing story about two people who share an uncontrollably strong connection over the course of their lives. Past Lives has an autobiographical touch and offers a memorable cinematic experience well worth having. How many love stories can say they've spanned decades and crossed borders? The overall feeling here is almost ethereal and memory-like but also achingly earthly, which makes this drama alluring and emotionally rich. The director, who goes off the beaten path to film the very deep essence of a platonic relationship, nourishes this tone of disillusion and unfulfillment that coats the entire film. It’s all for an intended purpose.
The story follows inseparable childhood friends Na Young and Hae Sung, who, at the age 12, lose track of each other when Na Young emigrates with her artist parents to Canada. 12 years later, they reconnect again through Facebook - she lives in New York, works as a playwright, and changed her name to Nora (Great Lee); he remained in Seoul all those years but plans to learn Mandarin in China. Despite acting like lovers, they lose contact once again due to distance and career commitments. Another 12 years have passed and they finally meet when Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), who works a regular job, visits New York. She’s now married to Arthur (John Magaro), an American writer. How will they react to this confused state of affairs?
Past Lives is keenly observed, expertly mounted, and marvelously acted. The build-up gains slow momentum but once it finds its rhythm, the film takes off to positively devastating places that will make your heart grow three sizes while watching it. Distilling its charm with delicacy and introspection, this is a work of refreshing maturity. The director treads through heartfelt territory with authenticity and a no-holds-barred understanding of the complexities of the situation.
