Past Lives
Past Lives
Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro, Ji Hye Yoon
Directed by Celine Song
As children living in South Korea, Na Young (Seung Ah Moon) and Hae Sung (Seung Min Yim) are the best of friends who show a bit of flirtatious romance between the two of them, but once Na Young's parents reveal they're moving to Canada for a better life, these two friends are separated for what seems like the last time. Twelve years later, a now-grown Na Young (Greta Lee) - who goes by the American name Nora Moon - is surprised to find that Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) has been reaching out to her through Facebook, and the two friends reconnect over Skype. Nora is now in New York and is an aspiring writer, while Hae Sung is still living in Seoul. Their romance is sparked but neither is willing to relocate for the other, so communication ends between the two of them.
Another twelve years pass, and Nora is now married to fellow writer Arthur (John Magaro) when Hae Sung travels to New York to visit. The two friends again reconnect on a personal level and Arthur worries that he's standing in the way of their happiness, but Nora assures him that there's no romantic feelings there anymore - but is she trying to make Arthur feel better, or is she just repressing her feelings because she doesn't think it'll work out?
The Good:
The main concept of "Past Lives" is the Korean idea of In-Yun: the belief that the interactions between two people in this life are owed to interactions (or near-interactions) in their past lives. The concept suggests that some encounters are not, as we might at first assume, accidental, but rather a cosmic tug on our sleeve. Essentially, it means that no one meets by accident, no matter how small the interaction. For Nora and Hae Sung, it seems that In-Yun is in full effect: these two were friends from childhood and keep running into each other as the years go by. They discuss this belief and wonder if in past lives they were forbidden lovers, best friends, or random strangers. Each interaction in each past life piles on one another that culminates in relationships in the future, and it seems in a sense that these two are destined to be together. Yet is it reality or something both want under the surface?
The film is a calm reflection on a relationship that could've been, as we see and feel the connection between Nora and Hae Sung on a deep visceral level. It seems like destiny that these two were supposed to be, but the fates of the world had other intentions. Nora is now married happily, while Hae Sung is in a sense stuck in the past as he ponders what could've been all those years earlier if he had traveled to America to be with her. Greta Lee and Teo Yoo have a chemistry that connects on screen in a fiery way, and also in the most subtle of ways as well. When they're communicating over Skype you sense the deep love they have for one another, and when Hae Sung finally visits you sense not just that love, but the feeling of regret and loss, as well. There's a sweet melancholy to the story as they pondered "what if?" in their lives, and whether or not the fates and their past lives have put them in this spot for a specific purpose.
While many say this is a love story, it goes deeper than that. It doesn't fall into the pitfalls of the love story motif, but rather delves deeper into the concept of past lives and the affect it has on our present. Nora and Hae Sung take front and center when they finally reconnect, and it seems that the entire world disappears around them. The cinematography is such that they maintain focus and there's a sense of romanticism as they walk around New York and talk about their lives. You can't help but root for them, even as Nora is in a loving marriage with a man who - by all intents and purposes - should feel like he's a hindrance in what the fates desire. And to his credit he does, as he worries that he's the "evil American" who's standing between Nora and her happiness, but that's due to the charm of actor John Magaro. He is ever the supporting husband who allows Nora to not just see Hae Sung, but joins them at the bar one night in a very uncomfortable yet moving moment, where Nora and Hae Sung communicate in Korean with Arthur sitting there not understanding what they're saying. It's like their whole other world right in front of him, and it's something that could've been devastating to him, but in the end it only strengthens his bond with Nora. It's fascinating to behold.
The Bad:
You have to be in the right frame of mind to watch a film like this, as it's deeply emotional and personal and not a lot really happens in regards to action. If you're looking for a romantic comedy or something filled with action, this isn't the movie for you at that time - but if you want to find a deep, thoughtful look at long requited love, regret, and remorse, then "Past Lives" is perfect for you.
The Summary:
By confidently telling a love story unique to the Western world, "Past Lives" will touch your soul with two impeccable performances and a deeply thoughtful story at the heart.
The Score: A+
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