The quick cut at the end showing them as kids was sublime. Gave me chills. There they are once again the two kids standing together but also apart on their divergent paths. The memory now in nighttime mirroring their present was beautiful visual poetry. A realization that their feelings for each other can only exist in a time and space both real and imaginary. Kudos to Celine Song.
In a way, their story together died when she went up the stairs. The reality of them having parted ways as kids is the reason they today feel complete together. By meeting again all those years later, they didn't reconnect with each other, but rather with themselves. In a way, Hae Sung did go back to Seoul with Nora; the same way Nora stayed in New York with Seung Ah. And I don't think it is coincidence that she went up the stairs. Ambition, first her father's and then her own, kept them apart. New York also represents ambition. Seoul is going back home, which Hae Sung represents well by still living with his parents. But I like to think this movie is ambiguous because intense emotions are often confusing. Maybe she cried because Hae Sung's departure felt like a final goodbye to an old friend. Maybe she cried because she reconnected with Seung Ah. Maybe she cried because she missed home. Maybe she cried because she was in love with the wrong person. Maybe because she wished she had been less ambitious. Maybe because she felt guilty for her husband's insecurity. Maybe because her life had overlapped with Hae Sung 7999 times and it felt like 8000. Maybe she just doesn't know what it is but it's too intense an emotion to keep the tears back. The beauty of the movie is that I think we all felt this. We then try to make sense of it, but in the moment it's just too intense to think rationally. In that moment, we're all a bit psycho.
I agree with you about it being reminiscent of Linklater’s films, especially Before Sunset. There’s a scene in BS where “Celine” and “Jessie” are in the cafe at the beginning and she says, “Do I look older to you?” And Ethan Hawke says no, but his eyes are saying so much. Yes, of course she does-they both do, and his look says how heartbreaking it is that they lost so many years together that can never be recovered no matter what happens. It’s a pitch perfect acting moment by Ethan Hawke, and I thought Past Lives was full of those from all three principles.
This film made me realize that your spouse may not be your “soul mate” and that’s okay. A relationship filled with love,honesty,communication and trust is what matters most.
EXACTLY! The husband was actually an incredible example of REAL love. A love that is acceptant of this reality. A love that risks losing because of how much you love them. Incredible movie.
SPOILER ALERT: I think the end hits hard because it’s really not just him leaving physically but them saying goodbye to their relationship possibilities. The silence in this movie screams louder than their words. Beautifully done.
I’ve know my wife all my life. We were born 8 month apart in the same village in China with the same last a name because everyone born in that village has that specific last names. We became best friends just like our father was when they were about the same age. We would walk to school together just like our father before us. I don’t remember everything when I was a kid but I remember this moment like it was yesterday. After dinner my brother would run to the playground where all the kids are and I was chasing him like always. One of villagers said”wait for your little brother” , I fell to the ground and I remember this girl picked me up. I know her because our fathers are best friends. Ever since that day we were inseparable. Me and my family immigrated to the USA burn since I was 8 years old I wasn’t sad that we were separated. But as fate would have it my mom took me to China 8 years later and when I finally met her again o thought I saw an Angel. She was so beautiful. So we started hanging out and fell in love and I was just 15 years old. We made a promise to wait for each other and get marry. We did got married when I was 25 years old and I am 47 now. Almost half our lives we were married. I always told myself that I got to marry her because I don’t want to walk down the street one day and saw her and she introduce her husband to me. I could never let that happen.
How mature all these characters are! To understand and accept the circumstances despite the pain that they will all have to carry throughout their lives. It's the concept of "inyun" for me the thing that gives peace to them, and also to the audience.
I, too, cried for the last 20-minutes or so. There was so much compassion that emerged toward the end of the film -- compassion from each of the characters for one another and their circumstances. Nora and Hae Sung gave one another a way to hold their deep connection and love in the present moment., and Arthur felt this. The resolution was so very satisfying as the script, direction, and acting all came together in a loving denouement that is rare in modern films.
To me personally, I never had someone like haesung or a soulmate in my life. But this film made me feel relieved that there's no rush to find "the one". That maybe I'm just gathering Inyung to meet them in the next life and this completely dissolved my anxiety towards relationships and love in general.
The balancing act pulled off by John Magaro's character is just unbelievable. It was incredibly hard for me to conceive I could deal with such a tough situation like he did in the movie.
Having been in a similar situation I would say he had no choice but to be accepting and understanding. You are in the waiting room. But if you are not generous the person you wait for will leave. She may leave anyway.... but that's what you wait to find out.
I agree, Past Lives is a masterpiece... It’s a rare film that makes you think, feel, and wonder. The actors delivered amazing performances. Highly recommended.
Love is about who you chose and sticking to your choice. That’s the beauty of it, it’s a choice. Chemistry, love, feelings, aren’t enough. And if you’re lucky enough to have two people chose to love each other, it’s probably worth it to stick with it. ❤
I seen this movie last night, and it was perfect. Avoids the kind of contrivances any other film dealing with a similar subject would have resorted to, avoids giving into audience expectations, and much credit to the actors for embodying their roles so well, that it carried me empathetically for all of them, including the husband, almost got me crying at the end, which is a pretty hard feat to pull of.
No contrivance was avoided. The story is a huge contrivance. In a modern time with technology, you speak to each other and there is absolutely nothing stopping a selfish person (Nora) from cheating on a dude (Arthur) who would clearly "forgive" her...
Before Sunset is also one of my favorites and Past Lives reminded me of it also. Past Lives is like the mature, restrained version of Before Sunset. I like that we have both paths to experience.
I so agree with you. In a year of stunning cinematic accomplishments,Past Lives is my favorite film of the year. I sobbed. And it has stayed with me. An amazing film debut by Celine Song and a perfectly cast film.
I watched it today by Berlin Film Festival. Completely agree with you: easy, perfect, touching. It is incredible that it is her first movie! At the end, I cried like a baby, this masterpiece talks to everyone with its poetry about love, fate, choices, life without being a "funny comedy" about her, him and "the other". I hope it could win some prizes! ❤
Hey, Brian! I finally saw this afternoon "Past Lives" and I absolutely loved it! Celine Song once said in the interview that as a director, she's always cognizant to the sensitivity to authenticity when it comes to capturing the real story in this film. It's a once in a lifetime experience to see this very adult-sweet love story without the melodrama. And yet, so convincingly powerful in so many ways. The three characters' complex and dynamic relationships are so organic, and the screen chemistry between Greta Lee and Ted You is so magnetic. I'll say the same thing with Greta and John Magaro - both captured their love for one another coming from two different backgrounds. Celine Song created a cinematic masterpiece with "Past Lives."
I related so much to this movie. I moved to the United States when I was 10, and I lost connection with all my friends prior. Fleeting memories. The ending scene as she walks away from Hae Sung and into Arthurs arms, and lets out those cathartic tears. Wow, I mean I saw several people crying in the theater I was watching it at. What a debut by Celine Song.
Yes, while Hae Sung could only watch her cry as a young person, her husband could hold and comfort her. Though I did want Hae Sung to be with her in that typical Hollywood ending, Celine Song's ending was much more weighty and satisfying. Lovely movie.
I cried hard at this one. The biggest and best thing they could do was make Arthur a wonderfully supportive person. That made my heart break all the more.
I watches this yesteday night at 9:30 PM. I felt so many complex emotions at the end of this film. Even after having a few years of therapy under my belt, it helped me feel and grow my empathy even more for all these characters. I went to bed sad and im still thinking about it the next day, where I want to make a post or review about it. Such a lovely and beautiful movie.🙏
Eternal sunshine of a spotless mind is my favorite movies, so when they openly referenced it in the movie, i knew it would be special. My thoughts at the end is eternal sunshine is about two people who should probably separate, continuing to get together in the same lifetime. Whereas here are two people who should probably be together, but continue separating in seemingly every lifetime.
"Butterfly Lovers," that's what your post is saying to me. This ancient Chinese tale has been acted out in operas, TV series, songs, even cartoons. You sob at the end... because they always separate in every one of their lifetimes. "Past Lives" is a timeless universal story!
I watched it yesterday in a UK cinema and it's my top 10 of all time. I think it's more than a romance movie - Hae Sung is also like the symbol for Nora's childhood memories and, those memories might have been shattered after 20+ years living in places thousands miles away from home. I feel like their reunion also helps reconnect Nora with her teenage self. And to me that's part of the reason she cried at the end. A relief cry in some sense.
When Hae Sung called Nora one last time, he also knew that that was the last time he was going to see her. The flashback made me cry instantly. You could see that both of them wanted to go back in time - to be 12 year olds again. The ending was really sad and I wish it ended differently.
Watched it today and loved it, walking out emotionally shaken (and still am). The movie's ending, and to some extent the "In-Yeon" theme, reminded me of another great romance movie made in Taiwan called "You're the Apple of My Eye". Anecdotally, this applies to true friendships too. I grew up with my childhood buddy whose half-Korean, until he immigrated to the US (abruptly due to family issues) at around 15yr of age and like in the movie, we lost in touch for a while. I went on to study in a different country, but also made effort to "stalked" him on Friendster (pre-Facebook era) hoping that one day we could re-establish connection. Like in the movie, we finally got to meet after more than a 12yrs of not seeing each other, in Seoul! We are still good friends to this day. Definitely a lot of bittersweet knowing that neither of us are going to give up our own lives to be with the other.
I had the most incredible experience at the Shanghai Film Festival this year. For two weeks in June, we get a unique opportunity to watch films that haven't gone through the usual government censorship process. Tickets are notoriously hard to come by, but by some stroke of luck, I managed to get into "Past Lives" without knowing anything about it beforehand. Let me tell you, this film absolutely took my breath away (I feel like it was amplified for me having lived most my adult life in a foreign country). The cinematography is stunning, pacing is impeccable, and the actors delivered powerful, nuanced performances (sometimes without having to utter a single word) It's a beautiful, yet heartwrenching tale. Past Lives" is more than just a movie; it's a cinematic experience that touches your soul. Never have I ever teared up oh so anxiously and completely lost it and weeped uncontrollably (together with almost everyone in the theater) at the last scene. It's beyond beautiful!
Aw you increased my hype for this movie! 'Before sunset' is also one of my favorites ^^ I think most of us had that person we let away or life torn us apart.. that's why that kind of movie tends to touch us. Love the video btw! Cheers.
I finally got to see this movie for the first time today, and it was such a beautiful movie, so emotional and so perfectly put together, it hit me so hard, and everyone I saw there was in the same place, it was so perfect
I could feel Hae Sung's pain all throughout. I really wanted to cry with him, for him, at those last few moments with Nora. But it was when Arthur hugged Nora that got me bawling with her. What a masterpiece!
I watched this movie last weekend after all your accolades over many videos. This is a perfect movie. So quiet and beautiful and really seeps into you. Thank you for pushing this movie into the forefront for me.
@@nancy-sonjajacobs6675 I actually just saw it two days ago in SF as part of the SF Film Festival. I believe LA's film fest is showing it too next month if you want to see it early!
It’s difficult to think that far in advance, but I foresee Oscar nominations for Picture, Director, Actress, and Screenplay. Thanks so much for watching!
I just saw it in wide release in theaters a couple days ago (I'm also seeing it again in a couple hours), and I still couldn't agree more about this being the top movie of 2023. I mean, there are plenty of great movies on the horizon (Oppenheimer, Barbie, Killers of the Flower Moon, Leave the World Behind), but I can't see myself liking any of them to the same degree at Past Lives given the emotional weight and perfect casting by Celine Song that makes every scene feel so authentic. Just an incredible movie, and I'm glad that it's being recognized as the masterpiece it is by people like you.
What kills me is that this story is based on a autobiography of the director. Just imagine being her husband and watching it, knowing that she is not over it since she made a whole movie about it. I don’t think the closed that chapter. I won’t be surprised if after few years, she won’t marry him
This is my favorite film of 2023. I met my soulmate in High School at 17. He was my first Love and my first time with a man. Unfortunately, I could not deal with being that person so I ran away. I Loved him and knew I did even at such a young age. And I believe and know he loved me too! I thought about him all the time when I ran away and always hung pictures of him wherever I lived. I did not want to forget him! Jump 40 years later and I had a dream about him so I tried to find him online and I did. I sent him a message but never got a response! A year later, I had another dream about him. This time I knew I had to find him. I called him at work, he text me and we started reminiscing. I always had a camera back then so I had so many pictures of us. However, while I was in NY on my last weekend, we had no time to see each other so we just text everyday for a month. Then I flew back to NY to have dinner and spend the weekend with him. It was so romantic! Anyway-long story short-past lives was so special because I knew how those people felt. Celine Song made a beautiful movie and all the players were so wonderful. And just like you, I cried at the end. If I’d only been a different person when we first fell in Love, I could imagine how it would have all been different. You never forget your first Love!❤️
I agree, it didn't seem like a first film at all. Everything flowed beautifully. I was very sympathetic to the Hae Song. Then I began to wonder how the story would seem if things were reversed. Would a pining and obsessed woman be so sympathetic? I don't think so. If a woman were in the Hae Song role, we would see her as a bit crazy. We would not want her to visit the man and interrupt his life.
Gave me the feels of a modern-era "Hiroshima mon amour", which is my all-time favorite movie. No wonder I loved this one. Unreal acting. Just spectacular. I yearned to see acting like Teo for such a long time. As much as our hearts ached for the "other possibility", the beauty in the acting made mine come full circle in the end, and wholly satisfied. Bravo Celine.
Thank you for sharing your feelings about Past Lives. Validates my own emotions, and perhaps better articulates them. I saw this last night after learning about it as a Best Picture nominee (I'm watching all of the nominees now). I'm mesmerized by its ability to capture those fleeting relationships with special people who come in and out of our lives, and we think back on them in the later years. It is by far my favorite of all the nominees(seen about half), and one of my favorite films ever (have not yet seen Alexander Payne's picture, which I'm sure I'll love). I thought I was the only one who looked back with longing about missed opportunities on old relationships, which is something at the age of 70 I think about often. What an amazing movie.
I couldn’t agree with you more. This movie was nothing short of a masterpiece. And definitely a build up to a cathartic release for me as well. I am also a lover of the Before Sunrise trilogy but this movie feels more real and set in reality. Life is cruel and as much as we desire a Before Sunset ending it just doesn’t happen for one reason another.
Finally was able to watch this movie as an online rental. It was so good! It is surprising that it's Celine Song's directorial debut. I see she's nominated for a best director Golden Globe, along with best picture, best actress and best screenplay. How amazing for Celine Song!
I feel like they themselves ruined their chance to be together. When they reconnected for the first time neither of them explicitly said what they were truly feeling though I'm sure it was understood by each of them but still. Also, the whole thing about her not wanting to talk for a while and turning into 12 years in which she met someone else was on her. They could've talked and would've met after a year or so as they said they would be able to. I mean you went 12 initial years without even hearing from each other so what was one more year to fulfill a true love for one another? So in the end they both but especially her let other things in life take over. It kind of frustrated me because she could've done so many things different to be with him but it's a movie. They needed a script lol. Good movie but again, many ways to be together.
I agree she could’ve done more but the movie was so realistic. such is life. Maybe her ambition would’ve been too much for him. It’s a really common experience for people to have “the one that got away” or “right person wrong timing”.
Just saw "Past Lives" yesterday and it just won't leave my mind, or my heart. I have a hard time imagining there will be a better movie this year. I especially love the way it talks about how we relate in the internet age and how technology now allows us to hold on to emotions and memories in an even more tactile way than before, for good and bad. It's a "Before Sunrise" for the connected world, with the feeling of a 2 hour long melancholy country song. A masterpiece.
It’s a critique about the NYC lifestyle, there’s no free lunch, everybody looking for Nobels, work to live and live to work, get married for greencard reasons, convenience over legitimacy, and at the end, life passed, you don’t see, you lost the love of your life, you cry. The movie makes a great job teaching that happiness life isn’t about earning prizes or being the best and well succeeded and proudly rich New Yorker, happiness in life is paying attention to the fact that the love of your life must be close to you, the details, the slow down.
I’ve not heard of this film, though I do enjoy the Before Trilogy, so if this film is similar in anyway like those films I’ll defiantly be on the look out for it whenever it’s given a wider release. Thanks for the video Brian, keep up the great work!
It's also a modern day fairytale involving many past lives. Song uses two lifetimes, one before, and the other after their reunion in person, beautifully stitched by the subway going into the tunnel.
Very impressive to see your detailed insights into this film. As a South Korean who just found this movie and got to watch the trailer, I really appreciate your review. Thank you for your sincere review. I can't wait to watch this film soon!
You're the first review I watched, as I like to connect further with great films through others' enjoyment of a film, and there's nothing you said that I disagree with!
Can't wait to see it!!! The two songs from the OST (by the two geniuses behind my favorite band of all time Grizzly Bear) released so far all ready make me tear up.
I am about to cry listening to you talk about it. I have this on my watch list as I am a huge K-drama fan. I just watched Teo Oh in the K-drama Love to Hate You! He is my new k-drama crush.
When you see the movie for a second time- the opening scene of the three of them sitting in a bar, being analyzed by bystanders, becomes even more powerful. fantastic opening.
Based on your review, this is my kind of film. One in my bucket list is to attend Sundance. One of these days, I'll be in Sundance Film Festival. I need to see this film! Can you post where I can see it? I tried to look where to stream it, but I couldn't find it. I know it's still early to show it, but I hope NETFLIX pick it up!
@@TheAwardsContender of course! If you haven't seen it already, you might want to search for After Life (1998, Japan). Great movie as well, with a creative premise.
coda debuted at sundance and it won best picture, everything everywhere all at once debuted at south by southwest and it also won best picture. both movies were shown early in the year. the other movie that debuted at the beginning of the year and won best picture is the silence of the lambs.
❤What a joy to watch another soul discover the incredible impact of the master craftsman of the Korean Drama industry. I am not talking about the whole industry because it is filled with despotic production companies willing to grind their employees into the dust to make their own buck. I’m talking about that cluster of brilliant minds that have joined together to give solace to our souls. What you said about the pace and movement was dead on. It just opens your soul up to to oneness with us all. I don’t know if there is a university film department, where these brilliant people are trained at or what, but it is not just the writer and director. They could not have brought out this story on their own. It is a perfect storm of expert sound & music professionals, editors, lighting experts, location scouts, set designers, and of course actors that all come together to support the writer and director… with their egos set aside. It is amazing to experience and I have experienced these perfect storms over and over. There is a reason you can buy T-shirt on Amazon saying ”K dramas are my therapy”. They sooth your soul. I look forward to this new work of art. Thank you for your intelligent and expressive description of your experience ❤️.
The last scene when they're waiting for the uber, there's a line between them on the ground .. and neither of them "cross the line" they both lean towards each other but noone crosses over
I’ve watched this movie twice now and I loved your review. You really capture the heart and soul of the movie and the characters in their bittersweet journey. I agree that it’s the best movie of the year or at least my favorite, with Anatomy of a Fall a close second and Oppenheimer and Zone of Interest following. I was so disappointed that Greta Lee did not receive a nomination and the other omission that really saddened me was Andrew Scott for All of Us Strangers. His performance was so poignant and heartbreaking and really stands out for me like Greta Lee’s.
I saw the movie last night and talk about getting punched in the stomach - the last scene was like watching someone coming home from an execution, absolutely wonderful film. I bawled at the end too.
The quick cut at the end showing them as kids was sublime. Gave me chills. There they are once again the two kids standing together but also apart on their divergent paths. The memory now in nighttime mirroring their present was beautiful visual poetry. A realization that their feelings for each other can only exist in a time and space both real and imaginary. Kudos to Celine Song.
Yay, glad you enjoyed it!
In a way, their story together died when she went up the stairs. The reality of them having parted ways as kids is the reason they today feel complete together. By meeting again all those years later, they didn't reconnect with each other, but rather with themselves. In a way, Hae Sung did go back to Seoul with Nora; the same way Nora stayed in New York with Seung Ah.
And I don't think it is coincidence that she went up the stairs. Ambition, first her father's and then her own, kept them apart. New York also represents ambition. Seoul is going back home, which Hae Sung represents well by still living with his parents.
But I like to think this movie is ambiguous because intense emotions are often confusing. Maybe she cried because Hae Sung's departure felt like a final goodbye to an old friend. Maybe she cried because she reconnected with Seung Ah. Maybe she cried because she missed home. Maybe she cried because she was in love with the wrong person. Maybe because she wished she had been less ambitious. Maybe because she felt guilty for her husband's insecurity. Maybe because her life had overlapped with Hae Sung 7999 times and it felt like 8000. Maybe she just doesn't know what it is but it's too intense an emotion to keep the tears back. The beauty of the movie is that I think we all felt this. We then try to make sense of it, but in the moment it's just too intense to think rationally. In that moment, we're all a bit psycho.
I agree with you about it being reminiscent of Linklater’s films, especially Before Sunset. There’s a scene in BS where “Celine” and “Jessie” are in the cafe at the beginning and she says, “Do I look older to you?” And Ethan Hawke says no, but his eyes are saying so much. Yes, of course she does-they both do, and his look says how heartbreaking it is that they lost so many years together that can never be recovered no matter what happens. It’s a pitch perfect acting moment by Ethan Hawke, and I thought Past Lives was full of those from all three principles.
This film made me realize that your spouse may not be your “soul mate” and that’s okay. A relationship filled with love,honesty,communication and trust is what matters most.
EXACTLY! The husband was actually an incredible example of REAL love. A love that is acceptant of this reality. A love that risks losing because of how much you love them. Incredible movie.
Yes, to those who can't be with their soulmate.
SPOILER ALERT: I think the end hits hard because it’s really not just him leaving physically but them saying goodbye to their relationship possibilities. The silence in this movie screams louder than their words. Beautifully done.
Well put. The restraint!
Hard when most people never say goodbye to their past
I think it was more about grief for what they had, their childhood together, which they both hand not dealt with
SERIOUSLY. I didn't cry once but the end... THE END 😭😭😭 they communicated so much without words I can't. It was amazing
I’ve know my wife all my life. We were born 8 month apart in the same village in China with the same last a name because everyone born in that village has that specific last names. We became best friends just like our father was when they were about the same age. We would walk to school together just like our father before us. I don’t remember everything when I was a kid but I remember this moment like it was yesterday. After dinner my brother would run to the playground where all the kids are and I was chasing him like always. One of villagers said”wait for your little brother” , I fell to the ground and I remember this girl picked me up. I know her because our fathers are best friends. Ever since that day we were inseparable. Me and my family immigrated to the USA burn since I was 8 years old I wasn’t sad that we were separated. But as fate would have it my mom took me to China 8 years later and when I finally met her again o thought I saw an Angel. She was so beautiful. So we started hanging out and fell in love and I was just 15 years old. We made a promise to wait for each other and get marry. We did got married when I was 25 years old and I am 47 now. Almost half our lives we were married. I always told myself that I got to marry her because I don’t want to walk down the street one day and saw her and she introduce her husband to me. I could never let that happen.
Thanks for sharing your story ❤️
You two could be cousins, get your DNA tested. 😅
Light23k Beautiful sharing!!! ❤
This should be a movie... hahaha...
Yeah but in the girl in the movie wanted the American College experience so she had to cut ties with her needy online BF... 😂
this isn’t even a sad or romance film, its just very real
Reality is sad.
@@slevinlindsay3624definitely a tragedy
How mature all these characters are! To understand and accept the circumstances despite the pain that they will all have to carry throughout their lives. It's the concept of "inyun" for me the thing that gives peace to them, and also to the audience.
I, too, cried for the last 20-minutes or so. There was so much compassion that emerged toward the end of the film -- compassion from each of the characters for one another and their circumstances. Nora and Hae Sung gave one another a way to hold their deep connection and love in the present moment., and Arthur felt this. The resolution was so very satisfying as the script, direction, and acting all came together in a loving denouement that is rare in modern films.
Such a great movie!!
I cried throughout the movie!😢
To me personally, I never had someone like haesung or a soulmate in my life. But this film made me feel relieved that there's no rush to find "the one". That maybe I'm just gathering Inyung to meet them in the next life and this completely dissolved my anxiety towards relationships and love in general.
The balancing act pulled off by John Magaro's character is just unbelievable. It was incredibly hard for me to conceive I could deal with such a tough situation like he did in the movie.
Yes, agreed!
Dude...there is such a thing as the "Hall Pass". Ain't nothing to balance.
I found him a little monotone
Having been in a similar situation I would say he had no choice but to be accepting and understanding. You are in the waiting room. But if you are not generous the person you wait for will leave. She may leave anyway.... but that's what you wait to find out.
I agree, Past Lives is a masterpiece... It’s a rare film that makes you think, feel, and wonder. The actors delivered amazing performances. Highly recommended.
Love is about who you chose and sticking to your choice. That’s the beauty of it, it’s a choice. Chemistry, love, feelings, aren’t enough. And if you’re lucky enough to have two people chose to love each other, it’s probably worth it to stick with it. ❤
Great movie !
I seen this movie last night, and it was perfect. Avoids the kind of contrivances any other film dealing with a similar subject would have resorted to, avoids giving into audience expectations, and much credit to the actors for embodying their roles so well, that it carried me empathetically for all of them, including the husband, almost got me crying at the end, which is a pretty hard feat to pull of.
Such a great movie!
No contrivance was avoided. The story is a huge contrivance. In a modern time with technology, you speak to each other and there is absolutely nothing stopping a selfish person (Nora) from cheating on a dude (Arthur) who would clearly "forgive" her...
Before Sunset is also one of my favorites and Past Lives reminded me of it also. Past Lives is like the mature, restrained version of Before Sunset. I like that we have both paths to experience.
Yes, so well put!!
I so agree with you. In a year of stunning cinematic accomplishments,Past Lives is my favorite film of the year. I sobbed. And it has stayed with me. An amazing film debut by Celine Song and a perfectly cast film.
I watched it today by Berlin Film Festival. Completely agree with you: easy, perfect, touching. It is incredible that it is her first movie! At the end, I cried like a baby, this masterpiece talks to everyone with its poetry about love, fate, choices, life without being a "funny comedy" about her, him and "the other". I hope it could win some prizes! ❤
Yay, I’m so glad you loved it! This is one special movie I haven’t stopped thinking about.
Hey, Brian! I finally saw this afternoon "Past Lives" and I absolutely loved it! Celine Song once said in the interview that as a director, she's always cognizant to the sensitivity to authenticity when it comes to capturing the real story in this film. It's a once in a lifetime experience to see this very adult-sweet love story without the melodrama. And yet, so convincingly powerful in so many ways. The three characters' complex and dynamic relationships are so organic, and the screen chemistry between Greta Lee and Ted You is so magnetic. I'll say the same thing with Greta and John Magaro - both captured their love for one another coming from two different backgrounds. Celine Song created a cinematic masterpiece with "Past Lives."
Yay, so glad you enjoyed it!!
He’s Teo Woo not Ted You!!
I related so much to this movie. I moved to the United States when I was 10, and I lost connection with all my friends prior. Fleeting memories. The ending scene as she walks away from Hae Sung and into Arthurs arms, and lets out those cathartic tears. Wow, I mean I saw several people crying in the theater I was watching it at. What a debut by Celine Song.
Such a powerful ending! Thanks for watching my video!
Yes, while Hae Sung could only watch her cry as a young person, her husband could hold and comfort her. Though I did want Hae Sung to be with her in that typical Hollywood ending, Celine Song's ending was much more weighty and satisfying. Lovely movie.
Third culture kid experience. I felt this so much.
Saw it just now and thought it was incredibly beautiful. Cried as soon as she cried. OMG. This is why I love movies.
I cried hard at this one. The biggest and best thing they could do was make Arthur a wonderfully supportive person. That made my heart break all the more.
I watches this yesteday night at 9:30 PM.
I felt so many complex emotions at the end of this film. Even after having a few years of therapy under my belt, it helped me feel and grow my empathy even more for all these characters.
I went to bed sad and im still thinking about it the next day, where I want to make a post or review about it.
Such a lovely and beautiful movie.🙏
Agreed, a fantastic film!
Eternal sunshine of a spotless mind is my favorite movies, so when they openly referenced it in the movie, i knew it would be special. My thoughts at the end is eternal sunshine is about two people who should probably separate, continuing to get together in the same lifetime. Whereas here are two people who should probably be together, but continue separating in seemingly every lifetime.
"Butterfly Lovers," that's what your post is saying to me. This ancient Chinese tale has been acted out in operas, TV series, songs, even cartoons. You sob at the end... because they always separate in every one of their lifetimes. "Past Lives" is a timeless universal story!
I watched it yesterday in a UK cinema and it's my top 10 of all time. I think it's more than a romance movie - Hae Sung is also like the symbol for Nora's childhood memories and, those memories might have been shattered after 20+ years living in places thousands miles away from home. I feel like their reunion also helps reconnect Nora with her teenage self. And to me that's part of the reason she cried at the end. A relief cry in some sense.
When Hae Sung called Nora one last time, he also knew that that was the last time he was going to see her. The flashback made me cry instantly. You could see that both of them wanted to go back in time - to be 12 year olds again. The ending was really sad and I wish it ended differently.
😢
We all do, but that’s what made this a great movie. That’s life in a nutshell.
Watched it today and loved it, walking out emotionally shaken (and still am). The movie's ending, and to some extent the "In-Yeon" theme, reminded me of another great romance movie made in Taiwan called "You're the Apple of My Eye".
Anecdotally, this applies to true friendships too. I grew up with my childhood buddy whose half-Korean, until he immigrated to the US (abruptly due to family issues) at around 15yr of age and like in the movie, we lost in touch for a while. I went on to study in a different country, but also made effort to "stalked" him on Friendster (pre-Facebook era) hoping that one day we could re-establish connection. Like in the movie, we finally got to meet after more than a 12yrs of not seeing each other, in Seoul! We are still good friends to this day. Definitely a lot of bittersweet knowing that neither of us are going to give up our own lives to be with the other.
I had the most incredible experience at the Shanghai Film Festival this year. For two weeks in June, we get a unique opportunity to watch films that haven't gone through the usual government censorship process. Tickets are notoriously hard to come by, but by some stroke of luck, I managed to get into "Past Lives" without knowing anything about it beforehand.
Let me tell you, this film absolutely took my breath away (I feel like it was amplified for me having lived most my adult life in a foreign country). The cinematography is stunning, pacing is impeccable, and the actors delivered powerful, nuanced performances (sometimes without having to utter a single word)
It's a beautiful, yet heartwrenching tale.
Past Lives" is more than just a movie; it's a cinematic experience that touches your soul. Never have I ever teared up oh so anxiously and completely lost it and weeped uncontrollably (together with almost everyone in the theater) at the last scene. It's beyond beautiful!
Love all your videos, Brian! You have such a soothing voice and all your commentary is spot on. I can't wait for this movie to come out
Thank you, Harrison, that means a lot! You are too kind. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Past Lives when it comes out ❤️
Aw you increased my hype for this movie!
'Before sunset' is also one of my favorites ^^
I think most of us had that person we let away or life torn us apart.. that's why that kind of movie tends to touch us.
Love the video btw! Cheers.
Thank you, Tom, you’re sweet! ❤️
I loved the film too. It touched my heart so much. Your review is pitch perfect. The ending resonated with me.
Just seeing this review (and you) for the first time ever. Great review, thank you so much! ❤ I hope it comes out to the public very soon!
Yay, can’t wait for the world to see this wonderful movie!
I finally got to see this movie for the first time today, and it was such a beautiful movie, so emotional and so perfectly put together, it hit me so hard, and everyone I saw there was in the same place, it was so perfect
i agreed with everything you said. I just saw this movie and that last walk you said at the end, really does hit you hard. Its such a powerful scene.
Still thinking about that scene months later!
I could feel Hae Sung's pain all throughout. I really wanted to cry with him, for him, at those last few moments with Nora. But it was when Arthur hugged Nora that got me bawling with her. What a masterpiece!
I literally cannot wait to watch this movie, based on the trailer I will probably cry and resonate with their story 😭
It’s AMAZING!
Did you experience something similar to their story?
Wow! even me too can't wait my dear
I watched this movie last weekend after all your accolades over many videos. This is a perfect movie. So quiet and beautiful and really seeps into you. Thank you for pushing this movie into the forefront for me.
can't WAIT for this one, everyone's been saying this was the clear standout from sundance.
It’s a very special film, and I can’t wait for you to see it. Thanks for watching! ❤️
I wonder when we will be able to see it! I’m in California
@@nancy-sonjajacobs6675 I actually just saw it two days ago in SF as part of the SF Film Festival. I believe LA's film fest is showing it too next month if you want to see it early!
This is going to do very well at next year's Oscars.
It’s difficult to think that far in advance, but I foresee Oscar nominations for Picture, Director, Actress, and Screenplay. Thanks so much for watching!
It also reminded me of Lost In Translation which is one of my all time favorites. I loved this movie so much!
Yes, such a good one!
I just saw it in wide release in theaters a couple days ago (I'm also seeing it again in a couple hours), and I still couldn't agree more about this being the top movie of 2023. I mean, there are plenty of great movies on the horizon (Oppenheimer, Barbie, Killers of the Flower Moon, Leave the World Behind), but I can't see myself liking any of them to the same degree at Past Lives given the emotional weight and perfect casting by Celine Song that makes every scene feel so authentic. Just an incredible movie, and I'm glad that it's being recognized as the masterpiece it is by people like you.
Yay, glad you loved it!
What kills me is that this story is based on a autobiography of the director. Just imagine being her husband and watching it, knowing that she is not over it since she made a whole movie about it. I don’t think the closed that chapter. I won’t be surprised if after few years, she won’t marry him
YES IT'S A MASTERPIECE!!! I saw it 10 days ago and it's still in my head and heart every single day.
Got to watch it today. What a film!! Definitely my fav of recent memory c:
Yay, I love it so much!!
This is my favorite film of 2023. I met my soulmate in High School at 17. He was my first Love and my first time with a man. Unfortunately, I could not deal with being that person so I ran away. I Loved him and knew I did even at such a young age. And I believe and know he loved me too! I thought about him all the time when I ran away and always hung pictures of him wherever I lived. I did not want to forget him! Jump 40 years later and I had a dream about him so I tried to find him online and I did. I sent him a message but never got a response! A year later, I had another dream about him. This time I knew I had to find him. I called him at work, he text me and we started reminiscing. I always had a camera back then so I had so many pictures of us. However, while I was in NY on my last weekend, we had no time to see each other so we just text everyday for a month. Then I flew back to NY to have dinner and spend the weekend with him. It was so romantic! Anyway-long story short-past lives was so special because I knew how those people felt. Celine Song made a beautiful movie and all the players were so wonderful. And just like you, I cried at the end. If I’d only been a different person when we first fell in Love, I could imagine how it would have all been different. You never forget your first Love!❤️
Love your videos!!! ❤️❤️❤️ I am so excited for the movies coming out this year!!! 🤗 I feel 2023 is going to be another amazing year in film!!! 🤗❤️💕
It absolutely will be!! Thanks for watching!
@@TheAwardsContender would you be able to do a video on Titanic vs Good Will Hunting vs LA confidential 🤗❤️🤗❤️
I agree, it didn't seem like a first film at all. Everything flowed beautifully. I was very sympathetic to the Hae Song. Then I began to wonder how the story would seem if things were reversed. Would a pining and obsessed woman be so sympathetic? I don't think so. If a woman were in the Hae Song role, we would see her as a bit crazy. We would not want her to visit the man and interrupt his life.
Interesting perspective! Thanks for watching!
Gave me the feels of a modern-era "Hiroshima mon amour", which is my all-time favorite movie. No wonder I loved this one. Unreal acting. Just spectacular. I yearned to see acting like Teo for such a long time. As much as our hearts ached for the "other possibility", the beauty in the acting made mine come full circle in the end, and wholly satisfied. Bravo Celine.
Thank you for sharing your feelings about Past Lives. Validates my own emotions, and perhaps better articulates them. I saw this last night after learning about it as a Best Picture nominee (I'm watching all of the nominees now). I'm mesmerized by its ability to capture those fleeting relationships with special people who come in and out of our lives, and we think back on them in the later years. It is by far my favorite of all the nominees(seen about half), and one of my favorite films ever (have not yet seen Alexander Payne's picture, which I'm sure I'll love). I thought I was the only one who looked back with longing about missed opportunities on old relationships, which is something at the age of 70 I think about often. What an amazing movie.
I couldn’t agree with you more. This movie was nothing short of a masterpiece. And definitely a build up to a cathartic release for me as well. I am also a lover of the Before Sunrise trilogy but this movie feels more real and set in reality. Life is cruel and as much as we desire a Before Sunset ending it just doesn’t happen for one reason another.
I watched the movie last night and it’s my favorite movie of the year 2023 so far. I loved the movie especially the end.
Yay, I’m glad!
The opening scene hooked me and I knew this was going to be a special occasion.
Finally was able to watch this movie as an online rental. It was so good! It is surprising that it's Celine Song's directorial debut. I see she's nominated for a best director Golden Globe, along with best picture, best actress and best screenplay. How amazing for Celine Song!
Thank you for your wonderful review!
You’re welcome!
Thank you for the reviewing. In my bucket list now, look forward to watch it.
It’s an incredible film. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
I feel like they themselves ruined their chance to be together. When they reconnected for the first time neither of them explicitly said what they were truly feeling though I'm sure it was understood by each of them but still. Also, the whole thing about her not wanting to talk for a while and turning into 12 years in which she met someone else was on her. They could've talked and would've met after a year or so as they said they would be able to. I mean you went 12 initial years without even hearing from each other so what was one more year to fulfill a true love for one another? So in the end they both but especially her let other things in life take over. It kind of frustrated me because she could've done so many things different to be with him but it's a movie. They needed a script lol.
Good movie but again, many ways to be together.
Well said! Thanks for watching!
I agree she could’ve done more but the movie was so realistic. such is life. Maybe her ambition would’ve been too much for him. It’s a really common experience for people to have “the one that got away” or “right person wrong timing”.
Brilliant review Brian! Thanks for posting this - you’ve made me very keen to see this movie. I always trust your judgement.
Yay, I’m glad! Thanks for taking the time to watch my review, I appreciate it. Please let me know what you think of the film when it’s released!
Showcase cinemas, one of which is local to me here in the UK, are now showing Past Lives. They rarely show indie films, so go and enjoy this one
Teo is just great. One can watch him in KDramas.Wonderful actor 12:15
He’s incredible!!
@@TheAwardsContender
Yes indeed!
Just saw "Past Lives" yesterday and it just won't leave my mind, or my heart. I have a hard time imagining there will be a better movie this year.
I especially love the way it talks about how we relate in the internet age and how technology now allows us to hold on to emotions and memories in an even more tactile way than before, for good and bad.
It's a "Before Sunrise" for the connected world, with the feeling of a 2 hour long melancholy country song. A masterpiece.
Glad you liked it!
It’s a critique about the NYC lifestyle, there’s no free lunch, everybody looking for Nobels, work to live and live to work, get married for greencard reasons, convenience over legitimacy, and at the end, life passed, you don’t see, you lost the love of your life, you cry.
The movie makes a great job teaching that happiness life isn’t about earning prizes or being the best and well succeeded and proudly rich New Yorker, happiness in life is paying attention to the fact that the love of your life must be close to you, the details, the slow down.
Great analysis!
I’ve not heard of this film, though I do enjoy the Before Trilogy, so if this film is similar in anyway like those films I’ll defiantly be on the look out for it whenever it’s given a wider release. Thanks for the video Brian, keep up the great work!
Thanks always, Jared, for your support! If you enjoy the Before trilogy, you will LOVE Past Lives!
@@TheAwardsContender I’ll defiantly be on the look out for Past Lives then! Thanks again for the video!
@@Jared_Wignall you’re welcome! ❤
I also love the Before trilogy. So you had me there!!
Yes!! If you love those movies, you will love Past Lives!
It's also a modern day fairytale involving many past lives. Song uses two lifetimes, one before, and the other after their reunion in person, beautifully stitched by the subway going into the tunnel.
Very impressive to see your detailed insights into this film. As a South Korean who just found this movie and got to watch the trailer, I really appreciate your review. Thank you for your sincere review. I can't wait to watch this film soon!
Hope you enjoy it!!
so happy a24 picked this one up
YES, that studio is rocking it lately!
Finally caught up with this. Made me think so much about In the Mood for Love. Not quite at the level but still really fabulous
Such a great movie. I started to cry at the end. I’m so glad it got nominated with this year’s Oscars
You're the first review I watched, as I like to connect further with great films through others' enjoyment of a film, and there's nothing you said that I disagree with!
Yay, I’m happy you loved the film!
Can't wait to see it!!! The two songs from the OST (by the two geniuses behind my favorite band of all time Grizzly Bear) released so far all ready make me tear up.
Oh my gosh, you are in for a treat!
I am about to cry listening to you talk about it. I have this on my watch list as I am a huge K-drama fan. I just watched Teo Oh in the K-drama Love to Hate You! He is my new k-drama crush.
It’s an incredible film!
If you love it that much, I'm sure I will too. Can't wait to see it.
Yay, I can’t wait to hear what you think of it! Thanks for watching! ❤️❤️❤️
When you see the movie for a second time- the opening scene of the three of them sitting in a bar, being analyzed by bystanders, becomes even more powerful. fantastic opening.
That opening scene scared the crap out of me. I thought the whole movie was going to be an English voice over with their lips way out of synch.
I’m dying to see this
It’s soooooo good! Thanks for watching!
Dude I’m waiting for the day you see close I can’t wait to see that review
Ohhhh, yes, excited to see that one!
Haven’t seen it yet but I feel like it’s going to be similar to the La La Land ending.
I am excited to watch this movie. I hope this film will be in Netflix, please.
Great film!
Man I'm still so upset that this film wasn't available to watch digitally.
It’s a stunning piece of filmmaking. I can’t wait to hear what you think of it when the film is eventually released!
Based on your review, this is my kind of film. One in my bucket list is to attend Sundance. One of these days, I'll be in Sundance Film Festival. I need to see this film! Can you post where I can see it? I tried to look where to stream it, but I couldn't find it. I know it's still early to show it, but I hope NETFLIX pick it up!
A24 is releasing it, not sure when it’s coming out. Thanks for watching!
Got me suscribe when u Said before sunset is One Of my favorite film. Greetings from France
One of the best relationship movies I've seen in a long time
I agree 100%, it's an absolute masterpiece. I'm so happy to see it got nominated for Best Picture
I loved it! The diddly laugh I’m one scene did stand out but it’s crazy that it’s a depute!
Thanks for watching!
What a great and personal review. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for watching!
@@TheAwardsContender of course! If you haven't seen it already, you might want to search for After Life (1998, Japan). Great movie as well, with a creative premise.
I wholeheartedly agree with EVERYTHING YOU SAID.
gut wrenching ending❤️💔
Thanks! What a great movie!
I will definitely watch it.
It’s great! Thanks for watching, Elaine!
ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES OF ALL TIME ! GRETA LEE WAS SUBLIME !
Really would love this to win best screenplay. The writing is absolutely amazing.
I really really want to see this
It’s soooooo good!
coda debuted at sundance and it won best picture, everything everywhere all at once debuted at south by southwest and it also won best picture. both movies were shown early in the year. the other movie that debuted at the beginning of the year and won best picture is the silence of the lambs.
Thanks for watching!
❤What a joy to watch another soul discover the incredible impact of the master craftsman of the Korean Drama industry. I am not talking about the whole industry because it is filled with despotic production companies willing to grind their employees into the dust to make their own buck.
I’m talking about that cluster of brilliant minds that have joined together to give solace to our souls. What you said about the pace and movement was dead on. It just opens your soul up to to oneness with us all.
I don’t know if there is a university film department, where these brilliant people are trained at or what, but it is not just the writer and director. They could not have brought out this story on their own. It is a perfect storm of expert sound & music professionals, editors, lighting experts, location scouts, set designers, and of course actors that all come together to support the writer and director… with their egos set aside. It is amazing to experience and I have experienced these perfect storms over and over. There is a reason you can buy T-shirt on Amazon saying ”K dramas are my therapy”. They sooth your soul. I look forward to this new work of art. Thank you for your intelligent and expressive description of your experience ❤️.
Thank you, Trixy! It’s a special film I can’t wait for the world to see.
I just watched it. What was so remarkable to me was how remarkable the chemistry Greta has with almost everyone and everything she's in a scene with.
I haven’t watched it yet.
But the description sounds like one of my fav movies (also about past loves and also a Korean film) Architecture 101.
The last scene when they're waiting for the uber, there's a line between them on the ground .. and neither of them "cross the line" they both lean towards each other but noone crosses over
i cant wait to watch
So good!
I’ve watched this movie twice now and I loved your review. You really capture the heart and soul of the movie and the characters in their bittersweet journey. I agree that it’s the best movie of the year or at least my favorite, with Anatomy of a Fall a close second and Oppenheimer and Zone of Interest following. I was so disappointed that Greta Lee did not receive a nomination and the other omission that really saddened me was Andrew Scott for All of Us Strangers. His performance was so poignant and heartbreaking and really stands out for me like Greta Lee’s.
SO BEAUTIFUL
Thank you for this
You’re very welcome!
Intrigued to see this masterpiece. That reminds me of an Indian film - 96
Don’t miss it!
96 is a masterpiece
I saw this just now on February 23, 2024. The film is nominated for a Best Picture Oscar in 2024, and deservedly so. Also, I cried when she did.
Film of the year for me…..
Saw Past Lives yesterday. This film is definitely 2023's version of Parasite!
Yay, I’m so glad!
I saw the movie last night and talk about getting punched in the stomach - the last scene was like watching someone coming home from an execution, absolutely wonderful film. I bawled at the end too.