'Past Lives,' the Start of Oscar Season, and the Top Five Most Romantic Movies of All Time
Jun 7, 2023
02:00:06
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Quick takeaways
'Past Lives' is a quiet and moving exploration of love, fate, and the power of past relationships.
The film beautifully navigates themes of fate, identity, and the lingering power of past relationships.
The performances by Greta Lee and T.O.U. are remarkable, conveying a deep sense of longing and uncertainty.
The film's exploration of longing and the possibilities of connection, even across time and distance, is both poignant and thought-provoking.
The ending of the film is hailed as one of the best in recent memory, combining brilliant writing, performances, and filmmaking.
Deep dives
A Beautiful Exploration of Longing and Connection
The film is a quiet and moving exploration of the complexities of love and connection. It follows the story of Nora and Haysung, childhood friends who reconnect years later through the power of the internet. Both characters are at different stages of their lives, grappling with the choices they've made and the paths they've taken. The film beautifully navigates themes of fate, identity, and the lingering power of past relationships. The performances by Greta Lee and T.O.U. are remarkable, conveying a deep sense of longing and uncertainty. The final act delivers a breathtaking and unexpected conclusion, leaving viewers contemplating the enduring impact of lost connections.
Powerful Exploration of Love Beyond Time and Distance
This film delves into the complexities of love and relationships with grace and nuance. It follows the story of Nora and Haysung, childhood friends who reunite after years of being apart. Through their reconnection, the film explores the lasting impact of past relationships and how the choices we make shape our lives. The performances by Greta Lee and T.O.U. are incredibly moving, capturing the deep emotional depth of their characters. The film's exploration of longing and the possibilities of connection, even across time and distance, is both poignant and thought-provoking. It leaves viewers reflecting on the power of love and the choices we make in our own lives.
A Thought-Provoking Meditation on Fate and Identity
This film weaves a thoughtful and thought-provoking narrative around the themes of fate, identity, and the impact of past connections. It centers on Nora and Haysung, childhood friends who reconnect later in life and grapple with the choices they've made and paths they've taken. Their rekindled friendship raises profound questions about the role of destiny and how it shapes our lives. The performances by Greta Lee and T.O.U. are exceptional, capturing the emotional depth and vulnerability of their characters. The film's poignant exploration of longing and the complexities of human connection lingers with viewers long after the credits roll.
An Unforgettable Story of Rekindled Connections
This film tells a captivating and unforgettable story of rekindled connections and the enduring power of past relationships. Nora and Haysung, childhood friends who reunite after years apart, embark on a journey that explores the complexities of love, destiny, and the choices we make in life. Their story is brought to life by the remarkable performances of Greta Lee and T.O.U., who excel in conveying the emotional depth and complexity of their characters. The film's exploration of longing, self-discovery, and the ups and downs of relationships creates a deeply resonant and thought-provoking narrative that lingers with viewers long after the film ends.
Choosing oneself in a complex love triangle
The movie explores a unique love triangle where the main character, Haisong, chooses herself rather than picking between the two men involved. The focus is on her own journey of self-discovery and the decisions she makes for her own life.
Chaos and control in filmmaking
The director reflects on the chaotic elements of filmmaking, noting that despite meticulous planning, there are certain factors that are beyond one's control, such as weather and unexpected circumstances. However, she also embraces the flow and spontaneity of the process.
Being part of a cinematic lineage
While the film has been compared to works by renowned filmmakers such as Richard Linklater and Wong Kar-Wai, the director views it as an honor to be associated with such esteemed films. She hopes that her film, like those in the lineage, stands out as a unique and distinct work.
The powerful and captivating ending
The ending of the film is hailed as one of the best in recent memory, combining brilliant writing, performances, and filmmaking. The decision to move backward in time, stop, and then move forward creates a captivating and memorable conclusion that resonates with audiences.
Form and Filmmaking
The filmmaker discusses her interest in storytelling through film and the importance of the form itself. She highlights the unique relationship between theater and the audience and how this influenced her work in theater. She also mentions her experience working in the writer's room on the TV show 'Wheel of Time' and the valuable lessons she learned from the showrunner about leadership.
The Process of Creating 'Past Lives'
The filmmaker talks about the process of bringing her film 'Past Lives' to life. She explains that the story was always meant to be a screenplay due to its spanning of decades and different locations. She discusses the structural design of the film, including the opening and closing scenes and how they serve as bookends. She also shares the challenges and serendipitous moments during the filming, such as finding the perfect New York City street and the significance of the direction of character movement and wind in certain scenes.
Sean and Amanda dive deep into 'Past Lives,' one of the year's finest films and an extraordinary example of writing, directing, and acting in romantic storytelling (1:00). Then, they share their five favorite romantic films (58:00). Finally, Sean is joined by writer-director Celine Song to talk about her debut feature (1:18:00).
