NEWS

The Davidson Film Club is pleased to invite you to a screening and discussion of the Oscar, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and Golden Berlin Bear-nominated South Korean film, “Past Lives” on Saturday, September 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the Armour Street Theatre in Davidson.

“”Past Lives” is a film that leaves you breathless, and your heart aching, but in a good way…” Calum Cooper, The People’s Movies

Directed by Celine Song
South Korea (2023, 1h45)
In Korean with English subtitles

Discussion of the film will be led by Matt Cramer, Film critic at the on-line blog “Y’All Weekly.”

Walk-ins are welcome, $9 (NC sales tax included) at the door, cash, or check (no credit cards). Walk-ins must apply for a seat in advance at alsingerman@davidson.edu. Walk-in seats are limited by availability.

Refreshments (red and white wine, bottled water, and snacks) will be made available by the Film Club.

Film Summary

Na Young and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Na's family emigrates from South Korea. Na moves to Canada and then to New York with her parents. Hae Sung continues living in Korea. Both keep in touch periodically through video chats, discussing their past lives. Twenty years later—Na, having changed her name to Nora and married an American writer—they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.

Nominated for two Oscars (Best Film and Best Original Screenplay), five Golden Globes nominations, three Bafta Awards nominations, and Golden Berlin Bear nomination for Best Film at the Berlin International Film Festival. In addition, it received multiple Best Film, Best First Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay awards. 81 wins and 232 nominations in all.

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer 95%, Audience Score 93%.

R.T. Critics Consensus: “A remarkable debut for writer-director Celine Song, “Past Lives” uses the bonds between its sensitively sketched central characters to support trenchant observations on the human condition.”

“”Past Lives” is a beautiful, deeply touching and tender film. Fantastically played and absolutely captivating visually and musically.”  Jimmy Cage, Jimmy Cage Movie Reviews (YouTube)

“Celine Song's debut film is a powerful metaphor for the two selves that exist within immigrants.” Christina Newland, iNews.co.uk

“Celine Song announces herself as a major voice in cinema with “Past Lives,” her divine and complex reflection on enduring love.” William Stotter, Loud and Clear Reviews

“It is a heartbreaking film that is so masterfully made and profoundly sincere that you want to stay in its world regardless of the emotional cost.” Calum Cooper, Cinerama Film

“I loved this movie. It is a challenging film that makes you reflect on your own personal experiences and that's a testament to how impactful the storytelling and acting is.” Brandon Collins, Medium Popcorn

“The questions the film raises are simply too fascinating to ignore. Its protagonists do not want to change their present, and yet, deep inside and in an increasingly less subtle way, they cannot stop asking themselves: what if…?” Sebastian Zavala Kahn, Cinencuentro

Our website www.davidsonfilmclub.com features the whole current series and film descriptions. Have you Bookmarked it?

We are a non-profit, tax-exempt organization run by volunteers that exists only to bring you fine international fiction films and engage in stimulating discussion about them.

Hope that many of you will be at the September 20 screening of this remarkable film!

Alan
Alan Singerman
President, Davidson Film Club
alsingerman@davidson.edu
(704) 231-6736