Returned

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are separated when Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week in New York City as they confront their destiny, love, and the choices that have shaped their lives.

The film was met with widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise for its nuanced performances, intimate direction, and exploration of themes like love, identity, and the paths not taken. It resonated with audiences for its quiet emotional power and relatable portrayal of long-lost connections.

• Praised for its profound exploration of love and identity across time and distance.

• Lauded for the subtle yet powerful performances of its lead actors.

• Celebrated for its delicate and artful direction that allows emotions to unfold organically.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved the film, highlighting its emotional depth, the beautiful portrayal of the central relationship, and its thought-provoking themes about fate and choices. Many found it a deeply moving and resonant cinematic experience.

Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards, and won numerous awards including Best Feature Film at the Independent Spirit Awards.

The title of the film in Korean, 'Past Lives', directly translates to the concept of 'in-yeon,' a Buddhist idea of providence or fate that connects people across lifetimes.