Past Lives … A Story of “In-Yeon”, Emotional Maturity and Closure
There’s a word in Korean: in-yeon. It means ‘providence’ or ‘fate’. But it’s specifically about relationships between people. I think it comes from buddhism and reincarnation. It’s an in-yeon if two strangers even walk by each other on the street and their clothes accidentally brush because it means there must have been something between them in their past lives. If two people get married, they say it’s because there have been eight thousand layers of in-yeon over eight thousand lifetimes.
Past Lives, directed by Celine Song, is a cinematic gem characterised by its minimalistic approach, deeply emotional narrative, exceptional screenplay, stunning cinematography, and evocative soundtracks. It delves into the complexities of fate, connection, and emotional growth. As I write this essay, the movie’s soundtrack plays in the background, setting a reflective tone.
The film opens with the dialogue: “Who do you think they are to each other?” It introduces us to three main characters, Nora, Hae Sung, and Arthur, in a seemingly typical love triangle. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this is not a triangle, at least not in the traditional sense where one party loses.
Childhood Connection
The film’s narrative is segmented into three chapters. The first introduces us to 12-year-old Nora and her childhood crush, Hae Sung. Their budding romance is cut short as Nora’s family relocates from Korea to Canada. This choice is echoed by a quote by Nora’s mother, “if you leave something behind, you gain something too”. While this comment tries to make the decision to emigrate sound better, it is a double-edged sword in that immigrants feel emotional complexities, which sometimes leads to nostalgia for what was. As an immigrant myself, this resonates with me deeply. There are days when I am happy in my new home and days when I want to be with my family, laugh, and tell stories.
Reconnecting…
In the second chapter, Nora and Hae Sung reconnect online as adults twelve years later, building a new intimacy while navigating the challenges of long-distance communication. Their relationship, strained by poor internet, time zone differences, and the demands of adulthood, ultimately leads Nora to step back and prioritise her writing career and attend a writer’s retreat. Meanwhile, Hae Sung moves to China for a language exchange program.
Different Paths, Lingering Ties
The final chapter brings Nora, now married to fellow writer Arthur, face to face with Hae Sung, whose feelings for Nora remain in New York. Unlike typical jealous rival dynamics, Arthur displays maturity and understanding of Nora’s history with Hae Sung. This refreshing portrayal of masculinity and acceptance is a highlight of the film. Nora and Hae Sung will finally meet after almost 24 years since they last saw each other as children. They reminisce about their childhood, catch up on adulthood, and tour the city. They would meet with Arthur, and we’d be back at the bar scene. Due to Hae Sung not being able to speak English, Nora and Hae would speak in Korean for the most part, isolating Arthur. But Hae Sung would apologise to Arthur, to which Arthur would reply there’s nothing to apologise for as he understands and he’s glad to have met him.
Letting Go of What Ifs, Embracing What Is
The story explores the Korean concept of ‘in-yeon,’ a concept linking souls across lifetimes, suggesting a deeper connection between characters beyond the visible narrative, hinting at past lives and a destiny perhaps unfulfilled in this one.
The film culminates with a question from Hae Sung. He asks Nora if they aren’t together in this lifetime because this is a past life and asks Nora what their relationship would be in their next life, to which Nora replies she doesn’t know. They accept their paths diverge, not out of love’s absence, but because life’s currents sometimes carry us in different directions, which marks a mature conclusion to their story. As Hae Sung departs, Nora weeps in Arthur’s arms. These are not tears of heartbreak but of closure and acceptance. A bittersweet goodbye to the connection of childhood soulmates, an acknowledgement of what could have been while embracing the love that exists in the present.
Closing Remarks
Past Lives is a profound exploration of relationships, maturity, and the intricate dynamics of love. It’s a narrative about first loves, missed opportunities, and the enduring power of connection that transcends physical boundaries and lifetimes. It reminds us that love takes many forms, and not all soulmates are destined to share the same journey or lifetime.
The film also acknowledges the role of fate in shaping relationships. Hae Sung’s introspective questions, “What if you never left Seoul? What if I came to New York with you? But you had to leave because you’re you”, captures the essence of destiny’s unyielding grip. The film conveys that despite our deepest desires and efforts to maintain certain bonds, some paths are not meant to converge in the way we envision. This narrative beautifully illustrates that life’s journey often involves letting go and accepting the paths we are meant to take, even if they diverge from those we love.
With its nuanced characters, delicate emotions, and a touch of “in-yeon,” Past Lives portrays emotional maturity and the bittersweet beauty of letting go. Its ability to subvert traditional romantic tropes while maintaining a deep emotional resonance is a testament to the film’s unique narrative charm.
