Okay on a serious note, I genuinely thought this movie was perfect. Wouldn't change a thing about it. Only aware of its positive reputation, was gonna watch it last year but kept postponing until I forgot about it. I also thought it was going to be a foreign film. I haven't watched a proper romance/drama movie in a while, so this movie really felt like it was what I was missing in my life.
I loved the opening scene, depicting a group of friends people-watching at the bar which sets a precedent for how the movie made me feel. It starts by with an unknown voice asking "Who do you think they are to each other?"These unseen voices/narrators at the start discuss the relationships of the protagonists Nora, Hae Sung and Arthur, and this felt like it's us as the viewer watching. The movie felt like a behind the scenes glimpse into these people's lives with an unrivaled intimacy. It's such a remarkable personal experience.
The story isn't groundbreaking, two childhood friends and potential lovers reunite after being separated for years and lingering feelings bubble up, even though one of them is married. A premise that's been done but this was a unique approach to the classic love triangle in how nuanced and unbiased it was.
A few small notes of moments I loved, first was when the Hae Sung's mum asked 'why are you in a good mood?' Like yeah mum's always know lol. I also loved that they mentioned "Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind". When they reconnected, I liked that Nora hugged him when they first met again after 20yrs; and he hugged her when they said goodbye for what felt like the last time. 'Severe thunderstorms' made me giggle, because it sometimes really does seem like there's always a weather warning in New York. I loved the thoughtful dialogue. Felt very natural the way two people would speak normally day to day, not like you're reading a novel; which is a huge contrast to Millers Girl which I had just walked out of.
With a moderate amount of dialogue, the film is skillfully shot, bearing a visual resemblance to other A24 productions. You can kinda tell what it's leading up to but it doesn't feel cliche. While it may not be the most exhilarating or a romance that sweeps you off your feet, it maintains a genuine and emotionally honest tone. Even without recency bias, I consider it one of the most believable romances/dramas I've watched, where sympathy extends to all characters, eliminating the need to pick sides. The acting is very excellent, with compelling chemistry evident in character interactions and expressive glances. Especially that conversation in the bar, the way Hae Sung looked at Nora, and Arthur basically third wheeling.
I thought he was going to be painted as the bad guy who's getting in the way of love but the movie didn't do that. I loved the conversation he had in bed about if there was another writer she met at the residency, He'd probably be taking Arthur's place. Typical romance films would paint the idea that Hae Sung and Nora are 'soulmates' and have Arthur vilified.
I really love that there's no antagonist in the narrative, and no one is to blame - the writer deliberately ensured that. The unbiased writing is a standout feature that I liked. Loved the ending, it's not leaning towards happiness, sorrow, or a cliffhanger, it felt authentically real. The characters weren't moralized, and there was no clear right or wrong. Nora's emotional flood, depicted in the final scene with Arthur, adds depth to her situation not being clear cut simple. It would be implausible for her not to feel anything for Hae Sung, for Arthur not to realize and be insecure, and for Hae Sung not to be devastated. Beyond being a romance, the story explores Nora's immigrant experience, caught between two cultures, probably making the tears signify more than just bidding farewell to her past life with Hae Sung but also to Korea.
I appreciated the inclusion of all characters, spent time with all of them, with Nora as the main focus. We delve into Nora's journey and motivations, as well as spending time separately with Hae Sung and Arthur. A standout moment for me was the brief scene after Nora and Hae Sung left the house and Arthur stayed behind - it felt authentic and intimate, offering a glimpse into Arthur's private emotions. Like something we're not suppose to see and we're secretly watching. Goes back to the opening scene of the movie where we were people-watching. Unlike the typical approach where the camera would follow the Nota and Hae Sung, this scene stayed with Arthur, making it my favorite in the movie. Similar moments occur with Nora and Hae Sung, particularly after phone calls, showcasing brilliant acting and direction. It's a departure from the usual focus on only the two 'soulmate' characters in a love triangle, adding depth to the narrative.
Loved the concept of the movie - a portrayal of destiny and fate, where strangers who held significant meaning in a past life remain distantly connected in the present. It's a painful ending to a movie that stuck with me after. A movie that prompts to ask questions about pivotal life moments, decisions, and the potential impact of maintaining contact with certain people or seizing particular opportunities, whether you're making or made the right decisions, how different life would be. These reflections extend beyond relationships, encompassing the wider spectrum of life; and In-Yun felt like a lense to make sense of these complexities. A way to cope. The line "What if this is a past life as well, and we are already something else to each other in our next life?"
I loved the opening scene, depicting a group of friends people-watching at the bar which sets a precedent for how the movie made me feel. It starts by with an unknown voice asking "Who do you think they are to each other?"These unseen voices/narrators at the start discuss the relationships of the protagonists Nora, Hae Sung and Arthur, and this felt like it's us as the viewer watching. The movie felt like a behind the scenes glimpse into these people's lives with an unrivaled intimacy. It's such a remarkable personal experience.
The story isn't groundbreaking, two childhood friends and potential lovers reunite after being separated for years and lingering feelings bubble up, even though one of them is married. A premise that's been done but this was a unique approach to the classic love triangle in how nuanced and unbiased it was.
A few small notes of moments I loved, first was when the Hae Sung's mum asked 'why are you in a good mood?' Like yeah mum's always know lol. I also loved that they mentioned "Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind". When they reconnected, I liked that Nora hugged him when they first met again after 20yrs; and he hugged her when they said goodbye for what felt like the last time. 'Severe thunderstorms' made me giggle, because it sometimes really does seem like there's always a weather warning in New York. I loved the thoughtful dialogue. Felt very natural the way two people would speak normally day to day, not like you're reading a novel; which is a huge contrast to Millers Girl which I had just walked out of.
With a moderate amount of dialogue, the film is skillfully shot, bearing a visual resemblance to other A24 productions. You can kinda tell what it's leading up to but it doesn't feel cliche. While it may not be the most exhilarating or a romance that sweeps you off your feet, it maintains a genuine and emotionally honest tone. Even without recency bias, I consider it one of the most believable romances/dramas I've watched, where sympathy extends to all characters, eliminating the need to pick sides. The acting is very excellent, with compelling chemistry evident in character interactions and expressive glances. Especially that conversation in the bar, the way Hae Sung looked at Nora, and Arthur basically third wheeling.
I thought he was going to be painted as the bad guy who's getting in the way of love but the movie didn't do that. I loved the conversation he had in bed about if there was another writer she met at the residency, He'd probably be taking Arthur's place. Typical romance films would paint the idea that Hae Sung and Nora are 'soulmates' and have Arthur vilified.
I really love that there's no antagonist in the narrative, and no one is to blame - the writer deliberately ensured that. The unbiased writing is a standout feature that I liked. Loved the ending, it's not leaning towards happiness, sorrow, or a cliffhanger, it felt authentically real. The characters weren't moralized, and there was no clear right or wrong. Nora's emotional flood, depicted in the final scene with Arthur, adds depth to her situation not being clear cut simple. It would be implausible for her not to feel anything for Hae Sung, for Arthur not to realize and be insecure, and for Hae Sung not to be devastated. Beyond being a romance, the story explores Nora's immigrant experience, caught between two cultures, probably making the tears signify more than just bidding farewell to her past life with Hae Sung but also to Korea.
I appreciated the inclusion of all characters, spent time with all of them, with Nora as the main focus. We delve into Nora's journey and motivations, as well as spending time separately with Hae Sung and Arthur. A standout moment for me was the brief scene after Nora and Hae Sung left the house and Arthur stayed behind - it felt authentic and intimate, offering a glimpse into Arthur's private emotions. Like something we're not suppose to see and we're secretly watching. Goes back to the opening scene of the movie where we were people-watching. Unlike the typical approach where the camera would follow the Nota and Hae Sung, this scene stayed with Arthur, making it my favorite in the movie. Similar moments occur with Nora and Hae Sung, particularly after phone calls, showcasing brilliant acting and direction. It's a departure from the usual focus on only the two 'soulmate' characters in a love triangle, adding depth to the narrative.
Loved the concept of the movie - a portrayal of destiny and fate, where strangers who held significant meaning in a past life remain distantly connected in the present. It's a painful ending to a movie that stuck with me after. A movie that prompts to ask questions about pivotal life moments, decisions, and the potential impact of maintaining contact with certain people or seizing particular opportunities, whether you're making or made the right decisions, how different life would be. These reflections extend beyond relationships, encompassing the wider spectrum of life; and In-Yun felt like a lense to make sense of these complexities. A way to cope. The line "What if this is a past life as well, and we are already something else to each other in our next life?"