7 Secrets Behind the Cast and Story of Past Lives, the Sundance-Winning Romantic Drama by Celine Song

Past Lives is a 2023 romantic drama that has captivated critics and audiences alike. The film, directed by Celine Song, follows the relationship between two childhood friends, Nora and Hae Sung, over the course of 24 years, as they navigate their different lives and cultures. The film explores the concept of “past lives” and how it affects the characters and the viewers.

In this article, we will reveal seven secrets behind the cast and story of Past Lives, and how they make the film a masterpiece of cinema.

1. Past Lives is inspired by real events from Song’s life

Celine Song, who was born in South Korea and moved to Canada at the age of 12, said that she wanted to tell a story that reflected her own experiences of migration, identity, and nostalgia. She also said that she was influenced by the Korean concept of “in-yun”, which means “fate” or “destiny”, and the idea that some people are meant to be in each other’s lives, regardless of time and space.

2. Past Lives was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic

One of the biggest challenges that Song faced while making Past Lives was shooting the film during the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the travel and safety protocols of the cast and crew. She said that they had to quarantine for two weeks before and after each location, and that they had to follow strict guidelines on set. The film was shot in Seoul, Toronto, and New York, and captured the beauty and diversity of each city.

3. Past Lives features a bilingual script

Another challenge that Song faced was working with a bilingual script, and making sure that the dialogue was authentic and natural in both English and Korean. She said that she had to balance the languages and the subtitles, and that she had to consider the cultural nuances and the emotions of each scene. She also said that she wanted to celebrate the beauty and complexity of the Korean language and culture, and to share it with the world.

4. Past Lives stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro

The cast of Past Lives is a tapestry of talent, each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. Greta Lee plays Nora, a Korean-Canadian writer who struggles with her identity and her marriage. Teo Yoo plays Hae Sung, a Korean musician who follows his dreams and his heart. John Magaro plays Arthur, Nora’s husband, who loves her but feels distant from her. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, transcending the screen and entering the hearts of the audience.

5. Past Lives won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at Sundance

Past Lives has received universal critical acclaim, with praise directed towards Song’s writing and direction, visual style, and lead performances. The film has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 204 reviews, and an average rating of 8.5/10. The film also has a score of 94 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating “universal acclaim”, based on 47 critics. The film has grossed $17 million worldwide, against a budget of $12 million.

The film’s biggest achievement was winning the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, the most prestigious awards for independent films. The film also won the Best Screenplay Award at the Deauville Film Festival, the Best Actress Award for Greta Lee at the Gotham Awards, and the Best First Feature Award at the Independent Spirit Awards.

6. Past Lives is streaming on Netflix

Past Lives has found its digital home on Netflix, the leading streaming platform for movies and shows. The film is available to watch in over 190 countries, with subtitles and dubbing in various languages. The film is a perfect choice for Netflix users who love romantic dramas, or who want to discover a new and original story.

Past Lives is available to buy or rent via digital on-demand platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu and more.

7. Past Lives is a story that stays with you

Past Lives is a film that stays with you, its melody haunting you long after the credits roll. It’s a spine-tingling romance that explores doomed love with a tenderness that is rarely captured on screen. The film is a reminder that sometimes, the most profound stories are those that reflect our own vulnerabilities and the timeless quest for love.

Conclusion: Watch Past Lives

Past Lives is a film that does not just belong to the year 2023; it belongs to the ages. It’s a film that will continue to be discovered and rediscovered, much like the love it portrays—a love that knows no end.

If you haven’t watched Past Lives yet, you can stream it on Netflix right now. Past Lives is a film that will touch your heart and soul. Don’t miss this opportunity to watch one of the best films of the year, and to join the conversation with millions of fans around the world. Watch Past Lives today, and experience the magic of a timeless romance.