Watch an Emotional Reunion in ‘Past Lives’ | Anatomy of a Scene
Вставка
- Опубліковано 29 чер 2023
- A reunion takes on surprising emotional depth in this sequence from the drama “Past Lives.”
Shot in Manhattan’s Madison Square Park, the sequence begins as the character Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), waits for the arrival of a childhood sweetheart he hasn’t seen in person in 24 years, Nora (Greta Lee).
“The thing that we were trying to capture here is this sense of anxiety and excitement, some kind of mix of both, of waiting for your old friend,” said the film’s writer and director, Celine Song, narrating the scene.
When Nora arrives, the moment continues to play out almost wordlessly. “The way that I wrote this in the script is that, it’s as though he is seeing a ghost. And she’s also seeing a ghost.”
As the two awkwardly interact, they mostly maintain a distance, and the camera (with cinematography by Shabier Kirchner) moves back and forth to spend time with each individual while they are in conversation. Song said that in this scene, she wanted to keep both the characters and the audience in a state of longing and happiness.
Read the New York Times review: bit.ly/3XvMqa6
Subscribe: bit.ly/U8Ys7n
More from The New York Times Video: nytimes.com/video
----------
Whether it's reporting on conflicts abroad and political divisions at home, or covering the latest style trends and scientific developments, New York Times video journalists provide a revealing and unforgettable view of the world. It's all the news that's fit to watch. - Розваги
Teo Yoo was the real gem in this film. If it wasn't for his subtle mannerisms -- just his acting overall -- the movie would not have had the emotional weight it carried.
Hae Sung's character carried the heaviest burden if we're being honest. He had to sit on that unrequited love essentially since Nora left, and all the way to the end when he left to return home. Heart-breaking, and absolutely relatable for a lot of men.
I love the silences between the two lead because it felt like there's nothing to say while having so much to say.
For me it was one of the most realistic films in terms of "dialogue" between two people that clearly care about each other. Sometimes you are nervous and don't know what to say, or even you arent used to communicating in person as you havent for such a long time, but you are still so excited and happy to be around one another. Past lives showcased that perfectly.
@@harrisonsloan6036 Agreed. The awkward silence but you don’t mind because you’re enjoying each other’s company is very real.
Exactly it reminded me of their first video call when she asks why did you look me up online and he says," I don't know" It's like they develop some profound feelings for each other at an age when they couldn't make any sense of it and lack of understanding kind of haunted them after that? While still making them think about each other.
I wouldnt say its an awkward silence its nore of a comfortable silence because u know them and ur comfortable with them that u don't need any words to enjoy eachothers company
tell you what.....there is NOT MUCH to say when he knows, his longtime childhood love is married. Look at when she calls his name and he meets her. You notice she hugged him tightly first and HE did not hug her, its NOT RUDE.....its because he knows SHES MARRIED and he has respect for that! I also was trying to watch carefully how Nora ended up married to the guy......they were both writers and shared a rooming home in the country. There was no special chemistry happening between them. But in that evening where they were with friends at first, then alone......he leaned over and kissed her. Im sorry, but as an asian american, I would never EVER do such a "move" like that to a female.......I know its a love story but I have my issues.
Teo Yoo's body language in that scene is exquisite. In the whole movie actually. His eyes and body tell his whole story.
This whole movie felt so intimate and was filmed so beautifully. It felt at points like I was intruding in someone’s very personal lives and I wanted to look away but just couldn’t. It was so gut wrenching, 10/10
I love how Nora talks about "I wonder what we were to each other in a past life" but Hae Sung says this is one of the many meetings before we marry in a future life. And that just says so much of how they each view their relationship. Nora was always leaving, always moving on. But Hae Sung could never forget was always hopeful it would work. But despite this, it doesn't make it any less devastating for Nora to grieve the life they could've had
movie felt like watching real people, there’s a quiet and subtle sadness in the ending which made it so heartbreaking. one of my favorite romance movies ever.
I can't get over that childhood shot of them going on a date because they are wearing the same colors now as adults. a painful parallel so beautifully done. I'll be thinking about this movie for a long long time.
And the corresponding stone sculptures, too much pain for me to handle.
@@KinCLee ah yes!! I just noticed that in the childhood shot the statues are facing each other, and in the present day shot the statues are facing away from each other and there's a wall between them.
incredible movie!
@@valeriamattos1 also in the ending while they're waiting for uber theres a line on the ground between them 😭
This scene absolutely broke me because of how honest this scene was. The work of these actors was phenomenal
I wept in the theater, I wept leaving the theater, and then I wept in my bed about two hours post-theater. this film shattered me into pieces so it could put me back together again. the silent cut here to their childhood date was the first time I gasped aloud - and the first time I could feel tears start to build. this film is the best I've watched in…ever. thank you, Celine and Greta and Teo and John and all of the crew for putting this masterpiece together.
I second your experience. Missed watching it at the theatre, I guess I saved myself some pain.
Same here ❤
Totally agree. Not the ending I expected or as an old romantic had wished for. But added to the emotional ending. Three days later still thinking about the film and wishing I had or could have such a deep connection in my life with someone
You describe just what I went through yesterday when I saw the movie.
Totally agree with exactly how you've described it. I had to cover my mouth a few times while watching this on my IFE screen on a plane! Very intimate way to experience it.
This film deserved more at the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice awards. The writing, acting, cinematography and the realism are outstanding. For me, the best movie of the last year
The last scene she wasn't only saying goodbye to Hae Sung, but also saying goodbye to a part of herself.
This movie was remarkable. So tender. So profound. Heartbreaking but incredibly gentle. I loved hearing Song’s insights. Thank you!
Wow, the body acting is beautiful from Teo Yoo while he is waiting… the little gestures…
The acting is amazing all around. Because the Asian/Korean culture is more reserved, everything has to be more subtle; it is harder than being loud and over the top acting/roles.
I’ve watched this film at least three times since opening week and man it just gets better the more and more I watch and notice the little things that are subtly imbedded yet add so much more depth to the characters and their story. I can do a whole deep dive on colour and how I feel like it’s being used but aghhhhh!!!! The way Past Lives makes me feel and strikes the chords unseen in my chest is so healing.
Your post just gave me permission to go see the movie a 2nd time. Thanks❤
man, im definitely gonna watch this beautiful film once again now
Amazing film. Blown away with how this simple story created such a huge emotional punch. A credit to Celine Song and all of the actors.
Teo Yoo was amazing in this movie. His acting was very good, his emotions, everythingggg
This scene definitely captured both anxiety and excitement for me. I kept seeing the two of them as those children again and when she finally hugged him, it was all so real, I started crying. Such masterful execution!
this movie is so hauntingly beautiful. that one powerful scene in the movie still remains with me...
Which scene ???
@@nithinravi4401
*spoiler*
its really the combination of the build up towards the end of the movie and when she broke down after hae sung got in his uber and nora's husband was trying to console her... its so easy to dismiss that scene as "oh she is still not over his childhood friend" but its more nuanced than that. thats why i found that scene so special and powerful. i felt bad for each character individually but neither one of them is a bad guy. i really empathize with each character and how this story is so beautiful and tragic and at the same time, very human.
Reminds me of my wife and i love story. She was my childhood sweetheart and we reconnected after 24 years. Still happily married.
Cant stop thinking about this masterpiece. They don’t need to talk sometimes just to express how they feel after so so many years. And at the end it’s the same thing you can hear their goodbyes in their eyes and it’s so so sentimental
Beautiful film through and through. Watched it multiple times and got more details with each viewing. Thanks so much for making this film ❤
I'm not sure how much I cried because of the narrative, the relationships, and the reality of the story, or that I cried because of how bloody clever the whole thing was, from the writing, the direction, the cinematography, the sound, the lighting, the acting, the absolute pureness of intention that grips you, but I am glad I watched this and glad I cried.
I love the realness and how much an everyday person can relate to this . Well-done 👏👏
I don't remember ever having such an anxious anticipation for watching a movie before. I can't wait to see this!
This movie really gave me sofia coppola’s lost in translation vibes. Minimalistic, Tender, understated, personal (both movies were in fact partially autobiographical), yet still totally gripping! What a remarkable writing and direction by celing song!
This movie is a masterpiece, lost in translation is racist garbage.
This movie depicts the different and complex emotions of the three people really well. I empathized very deeply with the three people throughout the second half of the movie.
I love how the statue when they were kids are looking at each other vs the carved images behind them when they meet again were looking away. Speaks so much how much they grew apart from each other. 🥲
great catch wow
This film is so beautiful in its production, performance, story. A love story told gently with hash realism. It even made me want to date again.
I don't normally like character-driven movies but i loved this one; this movie makes you think and touches on the themes of regret, moving forward, and closure. Well acted, great script, and great directing. Should be an Oscar contender. A24 is really hitting its mark on finding and distributing amazing indie movies.
what is more important in a movie than its characters?
I really love this scene. When Nora hugged Hae Sung, I thought he would burst into tears.
you noticed he did NOT hug back at first, right? it took him a few long seconds to hug her too.......its called showing respect to her! he knows shes married....there are some scenes that I really thought they were going to share a passionate moment (a kiss...) but, he does not. I KNOW he wants to be closer to her, but she is married, and probably because of the hubby being white, attributes to his being very cautious about their friendship.
@@Waynes-xt9gr Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm delighted you told me your point of view. I purchased this film on Apple TV Plus so I could watch some hidden scenes cut from the theatrical version. In one of the secret scenes, he was holding her sleeve on the subway, which I found it was very enticing. After reading your comment, I realized the director's intention why she decided to cut that scene.
still got me melancholy about the bar dialogue, what a masterpiece 💯
The nuances of a delicate moment were so beautifully captured… congratulations on your successful work ❤
兩位主角儘管沒有碰觸，但眼神透露出對彼此的愛慕、懷念童年的回憶、道德的束縛、與錯過的遺憾⋯難得一見令人感動的好電影，餘韻繚繞，久久不能釋懷⋯
nailed it!
@@ttteeaa Thank you for the compliment
me chinese me play joke me put pee pee in your coke
Ugh this film is just everything. Oscars for everyone involved please.
What a fantastic, thoughtful movie. I love the reveal of the Koreeda influence. Maiko House and Past Lives were two of the best things I've seen this year. Both were so simple and understated, but so emotionally uplifting.
Best director, best actor, best actress, best screenplay, best cinematography, best film. Period.
One of the most beautiful movies
this film is dripping with intention, care, and authenticity,, easily one of my favorite films
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".
What a beautiful movie, thank you.
The look in his eyes made my tear up. So touching
Not seen the movie yet. But now that I that got to see this scene from the director's eyes, the detail manner in which the scene was captured and how there are so many small and big elements which come together to such a beautiful scene, wow i'm just stunned right now honestly. Definitely will watch the movie now!!
The director hit the ball out of the park with this film.
Great job!
So touchable, great actors performances 👏
This movie gets into your bones. I couldn't breathe during that last scene. The "almosts" and "could haves" of life are the worst of all heartbreaks...there's no way to cope other than to imagine and feel the ache. Brava, Celine.
I loved this film so much. It was just so beautiful.
This scene is just magical and exceptionally beautiful! I shared the amusement with Nora, Wow Wow Wow!
This looks beautiful
One of my fav scenes.teo yoo ws brilliant here as hae sung
Wow glad I’m seeing this, must watch!!
I’m so excited to see this!
Just beautiful 10/10 cried my heart out
Very well done!
I watched this movie and the way it had me crying, yearning, laughing I absolutely love this I'd rewatch it a million times if I could
Wonderful film and Nora's a keeper.
I love this movie. I burst out badly at the last scene. I felt heavy but relieved at the same time, very confusing emotion when Nora broke down at the end.
And he is soooo good of an actor. She is pretty awesome as well!
What a goosebumps scene! Extraordinary…wow
Brilliantly acted!!!
I love this film ❤ I’m going to watch it a third time next week.
I literally cried at the hugging scene.
this movie is something else!! such a heartfelt, raw emotions and deep longingness between two childhood sweethearts!! 💯♥️
looooved this movie. celing song is definitely one to watch!
A transcendent scene. Brilliantly directed and acted.
Woah, my heart. What just happened! This really opened my heart. I wept for and with them…
This breakdown broke my heart all over again 😃
So beautifully done -- masterful cinema, and so well acted!! ⭐
I can watch this video a thousand times such a meditative reflection on directing emotion on screen. Thank you!
Amazing attention to detail and amazing film overall, I watched it 3 times already! 🙌👏
My wife and I saw this two days ago, and we already want to see it again.
This is a genius debut.
Whoa...that's exactly how I felt walking out of the theater. A cinematic masterpiece!
LOVED this film.
Seeing this scene again... i can feel it in my bones..
amazing actors.
I wish a film like this was easier to access for US audiences 😭
it keeps expanding every weekend, might be near you this weekend
So beautiful moments
Beautiful ❤❤
Best movie I've seen in years!!
great story! great film! bring some tissues!
so good
Have to watch this again
Intimacy and friendship.
Loved this movie
deserves all the oscars
Cryed so hard. This scene is pure emotion
I love this movie.
Love never lies. Love changes. Love lasts in our hearts! ❤️
Remember the Love.
Even if it's only for a little while.
Brilliant
Such a beautiful scene filled with the right amount of sound, light and emotions. Enjoyed it.
24 yrs you can't forget that person
probably gonna take whole life
Like na young said, hae sung is an idealistic man so I think that means it’d take longer for him to get over her.
more like hes been in love with his memories of the 12 yo girl he used to adore. you can pretty see they as of present dont gel that well, the convos feel awkward and insubstantial. most of the time they were talking abt their past memories and the whole fate and whatifs thingy. they have diverging ideologies and convictions now which makes it impossible for them to end up as a realistic couple
wow, the sound design detail...
Beautiful 🤍
I love this movie so much
Best movie of 2023 💯
New York was a great character in the movie
reminds me of the scene from liberation notes where the main leads meet again after a long time
Best film of 2023
MASTERPIECE!!! WAH!
Got me cryin
How natural and true about our past lives … I’m in my late eighties and have met many from past lives and ages from infant to those my age this present life of mine is to be with a new nation of people but still know my past lives people thru ancestry..had my human DNA som time ago and revealed past lives from different parts of world but then I knew that .. Did you know that you and your Soul decide your next birth when and where … and then you and your mother share in your first name title and how simple is that. L.I.F.E