Past Lives
"You had to leave because you're you. And the reason I liked you is because you're you." -Hae-Sung
This film is so beautifully written and produced that i want to cry. How can you describe a feeling of watching yourself for 1 hour and 45 minutes?!. I mean, I'm not exactly Nora, but I have a Nora in me. And if anybody thinks it's a red flag, thank you for the flag.
...
The silence, the essence of life, the love. I cannot believe how picturesque and heart melting (heart crushing for some) this film is. What do you mean by meeting two childhood sweethearts who are still in love with each other. It bothers me that i can relate to this story, maybe a little too much. Or the fact that I thought I'll be like Nora, meeting my Hae-Sung 20 years later.
...
I adore how the shots can capture the story well. Some are unique, but it speaks to me. The dialogues are well written, each words captures the feeling, each actors and actresses played their part amazingly. The bed scene of Arthur and Nora is the kind of deep talk I want. We know the relationship is healthy when you can talk your feelings and thoughts out to your partner.
...
Some people are disappointed with the ending. But I think I'm not. Because I've come to realise that life goes on. And Arthur is worth it. He is a sweet, understanding, respectful man. Maybe he's not as good looking as Hae-Sung, but the heart matters most.
"You make my life so big" -Arthur
HE.IS.A.SWEET.MAN.
He helps her with notes for her playwright, he watches the same films as her, he reads the same books as her, he learns Korean because of her when she absolutely didn't ask him to, he sits on the stairs waiting for her to say goodbye to her childhood sweetheart, most importantly he's understanding and respectful to her and her life.
Hae-Sung, you're attractive. But Arthur catches my heart.
...
Even though I have my Hae-Sung, it doesn't mean that i will stick with him forever. Just like Nora, I'll leave. In fact, I already have. I just had to, because I'm the person who leaves. But to my Arthur, I'm the person who stays (I haven't found my Arthur.)
...
Overall, everything about this film is beautiful. It's so quiet but raw with emotions. Culturally and linguistically amazing. Perfection doesn't exist, but this film is near it.