“Past Lives” Review

“Past Lives” is an enthralling romantic drama film from America that is Celine Song’s first feature film as director and writer. The 2023 film chronicles the 24 years that follow Na Young (later known as Nora Moon) and Hae Sung as they struggle with their changing relationship and divergent paths. Inspired by actual occurrences in Song’s life, the story presents a semi-autobiographical examination of friendship, love, and the passing of time.

The narrative starts in Seoul, South Korea in 2000, when 12-year-old classmates Na Young and Hae Sung start to sense something more than just platonic. Nevertheless, Na Young’s family’s relocation to Toronto shatters their developing relationship as they become less in contact. As time goes by, they reunite via social media, navigating through personal milestones and geographical distances.

After serving in the military, Hae Sung discovers Nora (formerly Na Young) residing in New York City in 2012. They really want to meet in person, but things get in the way. Hae Sung moves to China, while Nora attends a writer’s retreat in Montauk. While having separate lives, Nora develops a strong bond with Arthur that eventually results in their marriage.

After a further twelve years, Nora and Arthur make their home in New York. When Hae Sung goes back to see Nora, their reunion stirs up old feelings and forces reflection. The three of them struggle with the intricacies of love and commitment amid uncertainties and admissions. The film deftly examines issues of regret, longing, and how relationships now are impacted by decisions made in the past.

Leading the cast in captivating performances that give the characters life are Greta Lee as Nora, Teo Yoo as Hae Sung, and John Magaro as Arthur. They evoke empathy and an audience investment in their trip with their chemistry and emotional depth, which add layers to the complex story.

The film “Past Lives” sparked a lot of positive reactions during its January 2023 Sundance Film Festival debut, earning multiple awards and nominations for both the Academy and Golden Globes. Song’s moving narrative, beautiful Shabier Kirchner photography, and an engrossing soundtrack are all responsible for the film’s popularity

Along with receiving plaudits for its realism, emotional resonance, and cinematic mastery, the film’s universal themes and sympathetic characters made an impression on both critics and fans. As a first movie, “Past Lives” establishes Celine Song as a promising director by demonstrating her capacity to create complex stories that profoundly connect with viewers.

Cast for the “Past Lives”

1. Greta Lee as Nora
2. Teo Yoo as Hae Sung
3. John Magaro as Arthur
4. Moon Seung-ah as Young Nora (credited as Seung Ah Moon)
5. Leem Seung-min as Young Hae Sung (credited as Seung Min Yim)
6. Yun Ji-hye as Nora’s Mom (credited as Ji Hye Yoon)
7. Choi Won-young as Nora’s Dad (credited as Won Young Choi)
8. Ahn Min-yeong as Hae Sung’s Mom (credited as Min Young Ahn)
9. Seo Yeon-Woo as Young Si Young (credited as Yeon Woo Seo)
10. Kiha Chang as Hae Sung’s Friend #1
11. Shin Hee-Chul as Hae Sung’s Friend #2 (credited as Hee Chul Shin)
12. Jun Hyuk Park as Hae Sung’s Friend #3
13. Jack Alberts as CBP Officer
14. Jane Kim as Actress
15. Noo Ri Song as Na Young’s Childhood Friend 1
16. Si Ah Jin as Na Young’s Childhood Friend 2
17. Yoon Seo Choi as Na Young’s Childhood Friend 3
18. Hwang Seung-eon as Hae Sung’s Girlfriend (credited as Seung Un Hwang)
19. Jojo T. Gibbs as Janice
20. Emily Cass McDonnell as Rachel
21. Federico Rodriguez as Robert
22. Conrad Schott as Peter
23. Kristen Sieh as Heather
24. Oge Agulué as Ferry Line Security Guard

Additional cast (uncredited):
1. Stephen Canino as School Kid
2. Stephanie Cheng as Michelle
3. Nathan Clarkson as Couple (Man)
4. Lisa Dennett as Canadian Border Patrol Officer
5. Lynn Farrell as New York Ferry Passenger
6. Keelia as Couple (Woman)
7. Bob Leszczak as Park Goer / Tennis Player
8. John-Deric Mitchell as Sebastian
9. Keith Michael Pinault as Bartender
10. Nadia Ramdass as Stage Manager
11. Skyler Wenger as Student