REVIEW: The sensitivity of Past Lives, a film nominated for an Oscar 2024
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Every time we talk about Korean films it's hard not to remember the unbeatable presence of Parasite (2019) at the 2020 Oscars. After all, it made history by being a non-English-language production that won Best Film that year. In 2024, another South Korean film competes in the category: Past lives.
Directed by South Korean filmmaker celine song, the film received five Golden Globe nominations and, in addition to best film, is also up for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. It recently hit national cinemas and now you can check out our review of this story full of feelings and considerations. Check out!
History
The entire plot focuses on the meaning of a Korean word called In-Yun. The definition of the term is linked to why two people cross each other's lives. In other words, it is the work of destiny for two individuals to be together and from the moment they get married it is a sign that 8 thousand layers of In-Yun have occurred.
The belief in question is very strong in the experience of Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Yoo Teo). The two were very close as children, but Nora moves to a distant city and her contact with Hae ends. However, they reunite virtually after 12 years apart.
In general, South Korean production sensitively and explicitly portrays the role and importance of people in our lives. In a world with people increasingly connected, but empty, capturing a genuine and pure feeling for someone, despite the distance and busy routine, is a very rare custom.
From this point of view, Past lives It’s quite timely these days. In the midst of so much chaos and disharmony, a contemplative film like this that deals directly with the idea of finitude has a very important role in leading human beings to deeper reflections about the people they want to be surrounded by.
main highlights
As it is a story of encounters and disagreements, it is interesting that the direction uses cinematographic elements that bring us the idea of a time jump and/or the passage of time. After all, it is necessary to observe and feel the changes so that we can understand the desires and desires of the main characters.
In this regard, director Celine Song does a fantastic job. There is a lot of delicacy and care to offer everyone a story that highlights both the beauty of the meeting and the farewell. There is an admirable sincerity in the character Nora when dealing assertively with the situations she experiences with Hae.
Technical Aspects
As we said previously, the film is quite contemplative and features beautiful scenes from both South Korea and New York, the city where Nora lives with her husband Arthur, a character in John magaro. The soundtrack adds value to all the sentimentality and benevolence that make up the capture of scenes with beautiful and delicate photography.
Greta Lee's interpretation deserves to be highlighted as she is a very determined and confident woman in her choices. She has been part of the cast of series such as The Morning Show from Apple TV+ and Russian doll from Netflix. Yoo Teo's character is quite introverted and sentimental. Since he was a child, he suffered a lot when his partner left because they were very close as children in South Korea.
Teo has already been part of productions such as Love To Hate You (2023), When I met you (2015) e Tooth by tooth (2014). It's important to remember that this is Celine Song's debut as a film director.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a contemplative film and want to leave the house for an immersive experience, opt for Past lives.
From what you can see in the trailer, the story can be considered a great romance with the expectation of a happy ending. However, it is interesting to allow yourself to experience what this plot has to offer. You will certainly be able to give new meaning to beliefs, rethink certain points of view and better understand the daily lives that people are involved in and how these factors impact daily decision-making.
Where to watch
Past lives is available in theaters. It was produced by A24 and is not yet expected to reach a broadcast service. streaming.
Recommendations
The history of Blue Jay is very similar to what we experience in Past lives. However, the story takes a different direction. It is currently available on Netflix and brings as main actors Mark Duplass like Jim and Sarah Paulson like Amanda.
Another production that focuses on romantic and friendship relationships, but with a bit of melancholy, is the film Love to the Skin. Available on Mubi, the story shows how a man and a woman deal with the betrayal of their respective partners.
Vidas Passadas competes for two awards at the 2024 Oscars and the ceremony takes place on March 10th. So, check the schedule of your nearest cinema and check out this unmissable film!
Which of the Oscar nominees have you watched? Leave your comment!
See too!
Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim
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