Past Lives: Emotional Connection Buffeted By Life’s Vicissitudes (Korean with Subtitles)

This is the first feature film from playwright Celine Song, who directed and wrote the screenplay for this film.  I thought the first half was a little on the slow side, but the second half was terrific!  This movie  may wind up as an AA nominee for Best Foreign Film, and the two leads may even be nominated for Best Actor awards. Na Young (Seung Ah Moon) and Hae Sung (Seung Min Yim) are childhood sweethearts, living in Seoul, who have a very strong emotional bond.  Unfortunately, when Na Young is about 13, her family immigrates to Canada and their relationship suddenly ends.  Both of them are too young to know how to say goodbye and have effective closure. Twelve years later, Na Young – now known as Nora (Greta Lee) – is living in NYC, trying to make it as a playwright.  Hae Sung (Yoo Teo) is an engineering student, still living in Seoul.  They re-connect, via Facebook, and then start having frequent and emotionally-intense Skype interactions.  These meetings stir up very powerful feelings for both of them.  Since neither of them can relocate, Nora decides to stop their Skype meetings because her feelings are too intense for her, since they can't be with each other in person. Many years go by, but Hae Sung finally makes it to NYC for a visit, although Nora's current situation may limit their possibilities.  What will happen?  Will Nora and Hae Sung's "Past Lives" come to bear?  You'll have to see the film to find out! The cinematography is fantastic, with wonderful close-ups of the actors, as well as many other compelling visuals.  What I also found exceptional was that many of the shots subtly symbolized what was happening in their relationship.  Lee and Teo both turn in terrific performances. The film addresses what makes a relationship, explores various phases of relationships, and how love can transcend time and circumstance.  Why Nora and Hae Sung have such a powerful connection and love for each other remained a mystery, (which I think is true of just about everyone who is in love or has a deep and profound relationship with a close friend or family member).