Past Lives (2023)
(Celine Song, US/South Korea 2023, 105 min., DCP)
The Greater Western New York Film Critics Association’s choice for Best Film of the Year, Best Breakthrough Director, and Best Original Screenplay (both Celine Song), Past Lives makes a triumphant return to the big screen in Rochester. Taking place in three separate time frames, the film is the story of Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), childhood friends in South Korea until Nora’s family emigrates to Canada. Sharing a special bond, the two connect ten years later via Skype and then again ten years after that when Hae Sung travels to meet Nora, now married and living in New York City. An exploration of longing, choice, commitment, and destiny, Past Lives is a modern love story that recalls Richard Linklater’s “Before” trilogy and ranks as one of the standout films of the year.