Past Lives

What’s it about?

A reunion tale centred on Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends who are wrestled 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.

The facts

• Director Celine Song
• Korean, English, Mandarin and French language
• Runtime: 101 minutes
• 2024 Oscar Nominee

Why did it get this rating?

This film was rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Offensive language

The film has occasional strong language, including ‘b*tch’, ‘sh*t’ and ‘f*ck’. This is unlikely to harm but isn’t suitable for much younger viewers.

Mature themes

The film tells the story of an immigrant experience, based on the real life experiences of director Celine Song. We see a long distance relationship developed over Skype and via messages and emails. We also see the beginning of a real life relationship from early stages of courting to living together as a married couple. No nudity or sex is shown and the film explores unspoken longing between the main characters.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Making of ‘Past Lives’: How Celine Song’s Unusual Exercises Helped Her Cast and Crew Deliver a Lived-In Drama (The Hollywood Reporter)