The Korean film PAST LIVES-A Perfectly Disarming and Unforgettable Work of Art

The Korean/English language film PAST LIVES is a penetrating examination of human connection.  The story contemplates the relationship of two childhood friends, Na Young (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo)  in Korea which is interrupted by the emigration of Na Young with her family to Canada.  The 12 year old friends walk to and from school daily and established a closeness bordering pre-adolescent infatuation.  Na Young's mom arranges a last afternoon for the two friends before she is "never to return."  The two are clad in colorful rain gear while frolicking in a soft drizzle amid a sculpture garden.  Hae Sung's mom asks if they must emigrate because she warns, "you will lose so much."  Na Young's mom replies, "There is also much to be gained."  The film is visual stunning throughout.  Each scene is crafted with a tender, natural allure paramount in establishing a serenity and sensitivity for the emotions of its characters.  Twelve years pass in which Hae Sung serves in the Korean military.  Nora (as she is now called) is an established playwright living parsimoniously in New York City.  Nora and her mom are conversing on the internet looking up people they recall from Korea when Nora thinks to look up Hae Sung.  She discovers he's been trying to get in touch with her over the internet.  She reaches out and the two are delighted to become reacquainted.  They develop a deepening friendship over zoom sharing each other's lives.  An awakening attraction leads to wanting to meet, either in New York or Seoul.  The timing doesn't work and the two lose touch for another period of 12 years.  During this time, Nora meets and marries American writer, Arthur whom she met at a writer's retreat.  Hae Sung becomes involved with a woman in Korea.  Hae Sung has a business trip to New York and he contacts Nora.  The two are reunited in person for the first time in 24 years.  Their restrained emotions do not mask a bond they both cherish.  Arthur's sense of security in their marriage comes into question.   There's a searing, honest conversation between Arthur and Nora while in bed after the day Nora spent with Hae Sung to where her heart lies.  The movie is perfectly framed at the beginning and end by a scene with the three at a bar conversing.  At the start of the film,  unseen onlookers are trying to determine the dynamics of the three.  It appears nebulous which two form a couple.  The movie's quiet beauty transfixes us with powerful introspection.  How and why certain people come in and out of our life leaving their imprints.  What could have been is a never ending question that weighs heavy on us.  The sheer grace of introspection and commitments we make to others and ourselves is something honed continuously.   PAST LIVES is a perfect film to experience making our present lives richer.