Na Young (Seung Ah Moon) and Hae Sung (Seung Min Yim) are 12-year-old friends. Both are extremely smart, but Na Young gets upset when she earns the 2nd highest grade to her fellow classmate. She usually comes in first. Hae Sung is consoling. Soon after, Na Young’s family emigrates from South Korea to Toronto. She chooses the naturalized name, Nora. The childhood companions are inexorably split apart. Twelve years pass. Hae Sung (now played by Teo Yoo) has completed his tour in the military. He resides in Seoul and hangs out with his buddies. Meanwhile, Nora (now portrayed by Greta Lee) is in college in New York. One day while chatting on the phone with Mom, Nora finds out that Hae Sung has reached out to find her. Nora decides to send him a Facebook friend request. This causes the pair to meet up via Skype. The interaction will lay the groundwork for a future meeting that will cause them to reexamine their lives.
Director Celine Song’s forlorn portrait is a thoughtful observation of two souls. The playwright is making an impressive directorial debut here. Song’s screenplay weighs the critical choices one values to succeed in life with the profound regret of missed opportunities. The account is a deeply felt consideration of what could have been. This is a tender reflection on love and destiny. The concept of “In-yun” or fate is a recurring theme. Sometimes, the most potent interactions are in what isn’t said, and it is in these silences that sometimes the unspoken feelings speak volumes that mere words can’t convey. The film’s final minutes rely heavily on this. The ending could have been more substantial. Nevertheless, it prompts discussion.
“Childhood sweethearts who reconnect 20 years later and realize they were meant for each other.” The trope is always captivating. However, that would be too simple. Director Celine Song’s melancholy saga is much more nuanced than that. I understood their aching desire. The narrative is compelling throughout and is aided substantially by artistic touches. Christopher Bear & Daniel Rossen, both members of the band Grizzly Bear, reunite to compose a piano-based score that affects a wistful mood. Cinematographer Shabier Kirchner often frames shots in unexpected ways. One pivotal conversation intentionally leaves out an individual. The composition of every scene is creative and purposeful.
A woman migrates to New York but is later conflicted between two potential loves. The idea is reminiscent of the 2015 period piece Brooklyn. Nick Hornby’s adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s novel was far more ambitious in scope and emotion. Actor Teo Yoo is sweetly passionate as Hae Sung. Actress Greta Lee is more remote as Nora. Her ambitions of making it as a writer consume her. Yet their connection is undeniable. The cast is small but mighty. I haven’t even mentioned actor John Magaro who incurs our sympathy for his role as Arthur. The dialogue is even meta enough to have him observe the situation. He knowingly comments, “What a good story this is.” And I would have to agree.
07-06-23
One Response
3 1/2 ⭐️. I very much enjoyed this story. I wasn’t sure what kind of ending I preferred, but it’s tough when a third party is so likable. Still enjoyed the emotion and journey of these two.