reading time: 8 mins.
Yesterday all i wanted to do was to relax and chill by watching a movie and what’s better than a “let’s-cry-on” one?
Even tho i fell asleep in the middle of it, I was able to - not only relax - understand the deep meaning behind the quote of the “Not everytime two people are on the same trajectory” thing and conceive the path that wraps around Nora and Hae Sung.
Inspired by Song's own life but transfigured into a sensory and spatiotemporal journey, the film maintains a delicate balance between lightness and depth.
Divided into sequences that resemble capsules or muffled spaceships, "Past Lives" invites viewers to immerse themselves in an environmental cinema that echoes the ethereal nature of its themes.
At its core are Nora and Hae Sung, two young individuals whose lives are intricately intertwined. As their paths diverge and converge over time, the film delves into the profound questions of fate and choice, blurring the lines between past, present, and future.
Through mesmerizing visuals and evocative storytelling, "Past Lives" transcends conventional narrative structures, inviting audiences on a profound journey of self-discovery and introspection.
The film's prologue sets the stage for its exploration of alternate realities and potential narratives. As viewers navigate between past and present, they are confronted with the uncertainty of existence and the elusive nature of truth. Through continuous reflections and shifting perspectives, "Past Lives" challenges perceptions and invites contemplation on the interconnectedness of all things.
Central to the film is the theme of in yun, derived from Buddhism and the concept of reincarnation. As Nora, Hae Sung, and Arthur navigate their complex relationships, they confront the layers of destiny that bind them together. The love triangle that emerges is not defined by conventional labels but exists in a realm of perpetual ambiguity, reflecting the fluidity of human emotions and connections.
Through its exploration of duality and indefiniteness, "Past Lives" echoes the cinematic influence of auteurs like Antonioni while forging its own path of narrative exploration. As characters navigate the boundaries of time and space, they confront the intricacies of their own existence and the interconnectedness of all things.
As the film unfolds, it invites viewers to ponder the intricacies of human experience and the eternal quest for meaning. Each scene is a tapestry woven with delicate threads of emotion and longing, drawing audiences into a world where past, present, and future intertwine in unexpected ways.
Through its richly textured narrative and mesmerizing visuals, "Past Lives" transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling, offering a profound meditation on the complexities of life and the enduring power of human connection.
At The Sfag we give it a rating of 9/10.. I do recommend it as a 6th date movie to watch so that you can catch the vibe with your ideal person and slowly approach them for a kiss in the darkness that surrounds the cinema room..*wink, wink*
Dearly, Mike.