Film focuses on the what-ifs between lost love

Soledad Lee
Social Media/Graphics Editor

Anyone looking for a film about two people who are connected as children and are eventually separated, but reunite despite being in two different countries years later should watch “Past Lives,” directed by Celine Song.

In the first part of the film, viewers are introduced to Na Young, played by Greta Lee, (“The Morning Show”) and Hae Sung, played by Teo Yoo, (“Decision to Leave”) as adults sitting in a bar in New York, but from the point of view of another two people sitting across the room from them. This is where viewers hear two voices discussing what they think Young and Sung are to each other.

What the two are to each other becomes the premise of the movie, with the Korean term, “In-Yun” (fate between two people in this life is owed to their interactions in their past lives) becoming something that comes up a lot.

The story then flashes back to Young and Sung’s life as children together in Seoul, South Korea. The two walk home together everyday and form a close bond. Na Young’s mom asks her about Hae Sung. Young tells her mom that Sung and she will get married someday.

Viewers watch as Sung and Young go on a date together at the park, before Young leaves and ends up going to Toronto with her family.

Fast forward 12 years later, and Na Young has changed her name to Nora Moon. Moon is living in New York and when on a phone call with her mother wonders about Sung.

After finding him on Facebook, she discovers he had posted a question asking if anyone knew where she was. Moon messages him and this leads to Moon and Sung video calling all the time for a couple months.

Eventually Moon stops the calling, as she tells Sung that she needs to put more time into her writing which is her work. Sung is disappointed by this, but lets her go once again.

During that break of talking, Moon goes to a retreat and viewers watch as she meets Arther Zaturansky, played by John Magaro (“First Cow”). While back in Seoul, Sung meets a woman who he begins a relationship with.

Once again, 12 years pass, Moon and Zaturansky are married. Moon has to reassure Zaturansky a lot since he convinces himself that she married him for her green card; in actuality she loves him.

Sung ends up traveling to New York, claiming to his friends it isn’t for Moon. Viewers can assume that since Moon discusses it with Zaturansky, that she and Sung must’ve resumed contact at one point.

When Moon and Sung reunite, the audience can feel the immediate relief and the connection (In-Yun) the two have. They explore New York together and on Sung’s last night in New York, Zaturansky meets him.

The three end up at a bar together, where Sung confesses to Moon that she was the reason he came to New York.

According to imdb.com, Sung said, “I liked you for who you are; and who you are is a person who leaves… But for him, you’re the person who stays.”

Readers who are interested in seeing how Sung and Moon’s relationship with each other ends up can rent the film on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV for prices from $4.99 to $5.99. The film is also still available in theatres.

“Past Lives,” may leave viewers questioning the end or comparing it to their own lives.

The story in the film is so heartfelt and even if a person has never experienced a connection like this, they could simply relate to their friendships and those almosts (what could’ve been something more). After watching the film though, some may feel relief and realize what happened was for a reason in their personal lives.

“Past Lives,” may have released on June. 23, 2023, but the film continues to impress with being nominated for best non-English motion picture, top drama, best actress in a drama for Greta Lee, who plays Nora Moon, and best screenplay and director for Celine Song.

The film is rated PG-13, is considered a Romance/Drama and has a running time of 1 hour and 46 minutes.

Photo from a24.com