• Release year: 2023
• Director: Celine Song.
• Producers: David Hinojosa, Pamela Koffler and Christine Vachon.
• Screenplay by: Celine Song.
• Cinematographer: Shabier Kirchner.
• Music by: Christopher Bear and Daniel Rossen.

Shotgun Commentary: if you feel like getting your heart ripped out without any consideration whatsoever, this one’s for you.

Review

Past Lives could be described as La La Land (2016), without musical numbers, but with an In the Mood for Love (2000) dynamic and the heartbreak intensity levels of The Notebook (2004). In other words, it is the type of film you watch because love sucks, and you just want to have a good cry about it.

Time is everything

The use of time is key to the development and pace of the narrative. The story begins with some terrible guesses of what a trio of people might be to each other. Right after, we meet two of these characters in their childhood. Then, the three of them as young adults. Lastly, the same people in their middle age.

This management of time is quite clever for a chronicle like the one that is being told. However, it is not balanced. The first two acts, while shorter in terms of footage, feel significantly longer than the third and final section.

Never-ending stoooryyyyyy

The first portion of the account reveals Nora and Sae-Hung’s first respective crushes: each other. While this part of the tale is endearing in its display of innocence and insecurities, it does not say much. Some information is relevant, but also a lot of data can be easily inferred and doesn’t really have much informational or emotional value whatsoever. The inclusion of those moments only drags on the evolution of the plot and loses the audience’s attention.

The second act has a very similar issue. In this part’s case, it can be justified if one takes into consideration the emotional exhaustion that Nora and Sae-Hung’s feel in their relationship. The constant communication problems and the frustration of not being able to communicate in person nor see a future in which that could happen is a common experience for couples in long-distance relationships. From this perspective, the disappointment and frustration of the characters is passed onto the spectators through a tiring sequence with multiple scenes where nothing relevant is actually happening.

Fatality

The third and last section, despite being the longest, goes by faster than any of the previous ones. It is heavily emotionally charged and delivers the final blow to your heart. It shows the maturity and resignation that life has taught both of them.

Contrary to most romantic movies, they behave considering the aftermath of their choices, which is… not really why one normally watches a love-themed feature. Sadly, the ending is quite unoriginal if you put the poetry aside and consider the existence of (500) Days of Summer (2009).

Reality rules

Although the role is not particularly challenging, Greta Lee delivers a good performance as Nora. There is one intense moment where she shines, but there are no other opportunities for her to showcase her talent. Thus, proving that is more a matter of script than it is of the actress.

On the opposite spectrum, there is Teo Yoo, who plays Sae-Hung. His character goes through deeper emotions and has no trouble displaying them due to his personality. He is as open as Nora is closed, so there are a lot more occasions for Yoo to show his skills. Fortunately, he provides the audience with all the emotion needed and more.

As for Arthur, John Magaro’s character, he is not very likeable at first, especially because of his constant insecurities and the point of view that the audience has been put in. He is more of a man-child than anything else. Nevertheless, he displays more of his personality as time goes by, proving that he is better than that and giving the viewers the chance to tolerate him and even like him in a way. Magaro’s performance is subtle yet flawless.

All in all, the film proves a point and shares a heartbreaking story that is engaging and properly presented. It won’t change your life, but it will quite possibly change your mood for the rest of the day.

Advice to take from this movie:

• Never marry your rebound guy.
• Don’t confuse green cards with love.
• There is always a way to do what you love with the person you love next to you, you just have to be patient.

What’s your take? Have you watched Past Lives? Do you like suffering, or was this a complete surprise? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀

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