Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thoughtful romance requires patience; drinking, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Past Lives
What's the Story?
In PAST LIVES, 12 years after Nora (Greta Lee) and her family immigrated to North America from South Korea, she reconnects with her childhood friend, Hae Sung (Ted Yoo). The two pick up where they left off, their bond still as strong as when they were kids. Their careers take them on different paths, but when Hae Sung vacations in the city where Nora lives, they meet face to face and must confront questions about love and destiny.
Is It Any Good?
Thoughts will spin and conversations will erupt over this film's take on the idea of soulmates (based in the Korean concept of In Yun), but Celine Song's romantic drama requires patience. Teens who are used to fast cuts, expressive reactions, and entertainment that gets to the point won't find any of those in the contemplative Past Lives. Song takes her time, with long, continuous shots that sweep through spaces and cityscapes. A good portion of the film takes place on Skype. And characters do a lot of internalizing. It makes for a beautiful film, but it's one that takes some maturity to appreciate. The payoff really comes in the final few minutes, so you'll need to make it to the end to achieve the full sigh. But for teens who thrive on romance, the concept of In Yun is likely to stick with them, like a soul returning to earth lifetime after lifetime.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the concept of In Yun. Do you believe it's possible or probable? Using your imagination, who do you think you might have been in a past life?
How are Korean and Korean American culture depicted in Past Lives? If a movie was made about something related to your own culture or heritage, what would it be about?
Parents, how is your adult life different from what you envisioned for yourself as a kid? How are you different from the person you were when you were younger? How did the people in your life help shape you into the person you are now?
Smoking and drinking are presented fairly matter-of-factly here. Do you think normalizing smoking and drinking makes them more appealing?
What is self-control, and why is it an important life skill? How do all three characters demonstrate self-control? How do you think a big-budget blockbuster movie might handle this same subject?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 2, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : September 19, 2023
- Cast : Greta Lee , Teo Yoo , John Magaro
- Director : Celine Song
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Director(s) , Korean Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Romance
- Character Strengths : Self-control
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some strong language
- Last updated : June 21, 2023
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