This August, Filipino movie enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing a transcontinental love story that transcends time. The critically-acclaimed film, ‘Past Lives,’ will finally make its debut in Philippine cinemas. This beautiful love story, which has already received rave reviews globally, is written and directed by the talented Celine Song in her directorial debut.
‘Past Lives‘ is a 2023 American romantic drama that stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro. It’s a poignant tale about the reunion of two childhood friends, Nora and Hae Sung, and their contemplation of their relationship and personal lives.
The film begins in South Korea, where young Nora (then known as Na Young) and Hae Sung form a deep bond, which is ruptured when Nora’s family emigrates to Toronto. Reconnected years later, Nora, now a writer in New York, and Hae Sung, after finishing his military service in Korea, engage in a heartfelt reunion.
What makes ‘Past Lives’ intriguing is how it intertwines the concept of ‘inyeon,’ a Korean belief implying that people meeting each other, even briefly, suggests they’ve also met in their past lives. This profound concept influences the trajectory of Nora and Hae Sung’s relationship.
Director Celine Song was inspired by real-life events to craft this timeless love story. Song shared her personal experience visiting a bar with her American husband and a childhood sweetheart from Korea. Observing the people around her, wondering about the nature of their relationships, she thought about the intricate ‘inyeon’ that brought them together.
In ‘Past Lives,’ Nora must navigate the complex ‘inyeon’ between her, Hae Sung, and her life in New York with her husband, Arthur. Greta Lee, who portrays Nora, hopes that audiences will come for the romance but leave with a broader perspective about life and the connections we form as human beings.
‘Past Lives’ premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023, and it was released in the United States on June 2, 2023, by A24. Garnering universal acclaim, critics have highlighted Song’s direction and screenplay, and the outstanding performances of Lee, Yoo, and Magaro.
Get ready to journey through time and continents and immerse yourself in a tale of love, destiny, and choices. ‘Past Lives’ is set to arrive in Philippine cinemas this August.
