Past Lives

 

    Written and directed by Celine Song, this romantic drama is a lovely and honest look at a relationship in its many forms for two people over the course of 24 years. Far from a "rom com", the story borders on painful yet hopeful as we follow the life of Nora Moon (aka Seung Ah Moon) from her early years in Korea to her life in New York as an adult.

     As 12-year-olds in South Korea, Seung Ah Moon and Hae Sung share a friendship that is on the cusp of young love when suddenly Seung's family decides to immigrate to Canada. Hae Sung is quietly crushed by the sudden departure and never gives up trying to find his lost love. 12 Years later, Seung is now Nora and living in New York when a chance encounter on the internet reacquaints her with Hae. They renew their friendship on-line with her in New York and Hae in Korea, but it soon becomes difficult for Nora to continue. She suggests they take a break which lasts another 12 years until one day he decides to visit her in New York.

     Nora is played by the amazing Greta Lee and Hae Sung is played by Teo Yoo, who's love for Nora has never died and is conveyed so well by Mr. Yoo. John Magaro plays Arthur, another character important to the story.

     Ms. Song's screenplay is semi-autobiographical and inspired by real events in her life. Her subtle direction lets the story breathe as we follow the fate of these characters.