A24's newest film 'Past Lives' has Asian TikTok creators in their feels
Since A24’s limited release of romantic drama “Past Lives” in New York and Los Angeles, the movie has left an affecting impact on its audiences. Asian Americans on TikTok, however, are especially vocal about the ways the film has unexpectedly resonated with them.
Written and directed by Celine Song (“The Wheel of Time”) in her feature directorial debut, “Past Lives,” which had its world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and opens nationwide on June 23, chronicles the relationship between two childhood friends over the course of 24 years, as they navigate their relevance in each other’s lives into adulthood. Led by Greta Lee, who portrays Nora, a Korean woman who immigrates to Canada at a young age and the United States as an adult, “Past Lives” also beautifully articulates the differing perspectives of romantic relationships between the East and West.
On June 6, TikTok creator Mar Mar (@marmaryeesa2022) provided a succinct explanation of the ways in which “Past Lives” separates itself from the stereotypical romantic drama.
“I feel like a lot people when they watch this movie will get to experience how the East, specifically Asia, specifically Koreans, view love and relationships through their media and how their values and viewpoints on love and relationships can often clash with the western perspective and counterparts to that,” she says, referencing the character of Nora.
According to Mar Mar, while Americans, for instance, tend to be more approving of PDA, Koreans conduct themselves more “implicitly” when it comes to articulating romantic affection.
“Expressing affection is a somewhat private type of behavior,” 59-year-old Kim Myung-seok told The Korean Times. “Korea has deep roots in Confucianism which values community over individuals. Displaying behavior that could make others feel uncomfortable is something very individualistic, that goes against what is accepted as common sense.”
“[Actors] Teo Yoo and Greta Lee are absolutely the foundation of this movie, and going back to how Eastern is more implicit in communication, the way that they look into each other’s eyes and look so fondly speaks volumes,” Mar Mar continues. “Somehow, with how the story unfolds and how you get to know these characters, you cannot help but want them to have this grandiose, whirlwind romance for themselves.”
Gen Zers, specifically those of Asian descent, who have seen the film are documenting their reactions to it. Needless to say, tears were shed.
On June 10, Sulaiha (@princessdianaammonia), who is Asian Australian, posted a video of her and her “Asian baby girl” friends before and after watching “Past Lives.”
“never felt pain like that in our lives,” she captioned the clip.
“I sobbed violently in the bathroom after,” @lasheymonique replied.
“me feeling empty while driving,” @bumblebean_ wrote.
“why does a24 want first gen Asian daughters DEAD THEY WANT US ALL DEAD FROM HEARTBREAK AND PAIN,” @msgworl_ commented.
Other content creators have taken to TikTok to share their post-film reactions — like TikTok creator @tttsssettten, who, on June 16, shared how the film emotionally impacted her and her friend.
Jiaj Guo (@jiajg), on the other hand, revealed that he was “obsessed” with the film.
On June 11, Brooklyn-based Leah Shin (@shinleah) recommended prospective “Past Live” audience members bring some tissues.
In a follow-up video posted on June 18, Shin went on a biking tour of “the places where they filmed A24’s past lives in brooklyn.”
In The Know by Yahoo is now available on Apple News — follow us here!
The post A24’s newest film ‘Past Lives’ has Asian TikTok creators in their feels, and we totally get it appeared first on In The Know.
More from In The Know:
TikTok is cracking up at this college student's graduation photos: 'The tongue one killed me'
I resized my engagement ring with this sneaky $9 Amazon hack
Hi, here's where to buy the Dyson Airwrap online before it sells out again
