& Celine Song

Past Lives

8.1

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrest apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. 20 years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.

Director: , Celine Song
Main Cast: John Magaro, Greta Lee, Teo Yoo
Soundtrack: , Daniel Rossen, Christopher Bear
Cinematography: , Shabier Kirchner
Screenplay: , Celine Song

Cinema Premiere: September 7, 2023

What do English critics think?

English Reviews

1 english reviews of Past Lives (2023)

Reviews by critics from other countries

Foreign Reviews

19 foreign reviews of Past Lives (2023)

1. Svenska Dagbladet

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: This is a masterpiece. It's impossible to describe 'Past lives' in any other way.
Swedish: svd.se »
2. Dagens Nyheter

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: A sensational, sensual and soulful debut about passion and fate at the intersection of different cultures, between two separate continents.
Swedish: dn.se »
3. Filmtopp

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: All in all, Past Lives is an incredibly sharp and thoughtful romantic drama, with a final scene that is among the most powerful I have seen on the big screen.
Swedish: filmtopp.se »
4. Moviezine

10 / 10

Translated from swedish: The silence in this love triangle is more eloquent than any spoken words could ever be.
Swedish: moviezine.se »
5. Göteborgs-Posten

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: The story of classmates from Seoul who reunite in New York never loses its most important feeling: that it is about deep love.
Swedish: gp.se »
6. Sydsvenskan

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: Wonderful debut film about the love choices we make
Swedish: sydsvenskan.se »
7. Cinetaste

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: One of the strongest films of the year both in terms of acting and storytelling.
Swedish: cinetaste.se »
8. Kulturbloggen

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: Past Lives is an impressive demonstration of the art of being restrained and incredibly empathetic. Despite the low tone, this is one of the most captivating film experiences of the year.
Swedish: kulturbloggen.com »
9. SVT

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: So skillfully and sensitively acted that the final scene will linger in the heart for a long time to come.
Swedish: svt.se »
10. Västerbottenskuriren

8 / 10

Translated from swedish: Everything is staged with precision. Beautiful photography, sensitive direction by debutant Celine Song, and superbly acted, especially Greta Lee, who succeeds in portraying all her emotions and struggles with great control. Past Lives is a delight.
Swedish: vk.se »
11. Filmbladet

7 / 10

Translated from swedish: Past Lives is a simple but powerful drama about leaving one's homeland and the special bond that old friends can entail. It is beautifully filmed and with excellent performances, but something is missing to reach top marks.
- Fredrik Lagnetoft
Swedish: Review: "Past Lives"
12. Filmparadiset

7 / 10

Translated from swedish: It's worth seeing if you like romantic dramas that aren't too saccharine or predictable.
Swedish: filmparadiset.se »
13. Nöjesguiden

6.6 / 10

Translated from swedish: And when the film raises the question of whether one should really be with an old flame at the center, but not seriously seems to dare to explore it fully, one becomes easily confused both about the film and what Na/Nora really wants. And it's a pity when the film otherwise feels so well-made and trustworthy.
Swedish: ng.se »
14. Aftonbladet

6 / 10

Translated from swedish: The basic idea is good, the acting is a bit sloppier, then. Perhaps it's a result of Celine Songs' background in theater, but the finesse that exists in the script is also missing from the performance that can be seen and heard from the last row of seats. But yes, if you sit there with slightly lowered expectations, 'Past Lives' will undoubtedly pass.
Swedish: aftonbladet.se »
15. Sveriges Radio

6 / 10

Translated from swedish: This is a film for those who still keep all the romantic doors open.
Swedish: sverigesradio.se »