Past Lives - BLU-RAY

A24 has done it yet again this year by releasing a breathtaking and emotionally driven film ("The Whale" for 2022). This isn't even my style of movies but the characters of Nora and Hae Sung are extremely captivating. Greta Lee and Teo Yoo play excellent roles in a very uncomfortable situation. Themes that are inspired from Buddhism on love and compassion bring a range of emotions on the events that take place within the film. There are no cliffhangers or things that keep you guessing. Just pure raw acting and emotion amongst all of the primary cast. It is undeniably the best movie of this year, which is speaking volumes as "Oppenheimer" is a main contender. The cinematography is excellent with just the right amount of film grain used in the movie. It is a basic Blu-ray copy that includes a DVD on the left hand side. A paper cover slip is also added to the physical copy. If you are a movie lover, this is a must buy especially since the price sits at a comfortable $10-$15. With Hollywood being so divided over quality vs. quantity, giving A24 financial support brings consumers one step closer to a better overall viewing experience.

Celine Song's directorial debut is an amazing film that examines how circumstances can force change. The story centers around Nora (Greta Lee) and Teo (Hae Sung) childhood friends who develop a close kinship just as Nora's family emigrate to Canada. Years later thanks to social media the pair reconnect. The ideas in this story aren't unique (I was often reminded of Linklater's Before trilogy), but Song, Lee, and Sung give so much to this story. All of us have those moments where we look back at people we knew and wonder, "Why did we quit talking and where are they now?" Lee and Sung are fantastic in the leads. I loved seeing the three different time frames in their lives and their interactions. It hits hard as we see them doing their own thing while trying to attempt some sort of a connection. Kudos to John Margo getting a supporting role and giving it everything. Personally, one of my favorite films of 2023.

Absolutely beautiful film! Must watch. If you or a loved one has ever been in a relationship or if you’d like to understand what it means to be in a relationship, this film will highlight those intricacies in one’s love life. Sure it’s not all cases for everybody but it provides a special insight into a real, personal, deeply felt love that many do get to experience it few get to express.

Haven’t watched it yet, but it came sooner than expected in perfect shape. Unfortunately Best Buy is stopping its sale of physical media, which makes it harder for people to own great movies like this. Once the dust settles and Best Buy sells its remaining stock of movies, there wont be much reason for me to shop here anymore :/

One of those films that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. The Blu-ray audio and video were great as well.