cp-webdesk‘Past Lives’ the movie by Celine Song highlights the poignant and emotional depth of the film, praising it as a delicate yet profound exploration of love, identity, and the passage of time. The reviewer finds the film both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, likening it to the works of renowned directors such as Richard Linklater, Noah Baumbach, and Wong Kar-wai. Song’s debut is celebrated for its ability to merge simplicity with sophistication, creating a narrative that feels intimate yet universal.
The film’s central themes of lost love, childhood crushes, and the immigrant experience resonate deeply. It juxtaposes the life paths of its characters—Na-young (later Nora), who emigrates to North America and becomes a literary star, and Hae-sung, who remains in South Korea, navigating a more humble and traditional life. Their connection, rekindled through digital media, is both exhilarating and fraught with unspoken questions about destiny, missed opportunities, and the romanticization of the past.
The review emphasizes the powerful performances of the lead actors, particularly Greta Lee’s portrayal of Na-young/Nora, whose code-switching between her Korean and American identities is both nuanced and compelling. Teo Yoo’s Hae-sung is described as a dignified and tragic figure, embodying the heartbreak and longing of unfulfilled love. The dynamics between Na-young, Hae-sung, and Arthur (Na-young’s husband) further enrich the story, revealing layers of emotional complexity and tension.
The concept of “in-yun,” a Korean belief in the karmic connection of lovers across lifetimes, serves as a poignant metaphor for the characters’ enduring bond. The reviewer appreciates how the film adapts this traditional idea into a modern narrative, suggesting that the “past lives” of the title refer to the characters’ childhood memories and their preserved connection through modern technology.
Ultimately, the review positions Past Lives as a must-see film, lauding its ability to evoke a range of emotions while exploring universal truths about love, identity, and the human experience. It is described as a film for every occasion, capable of leaving viewers both melancholic and euphoric—a rare cinematic achievement for a debut feature.
