The second back-to-back film that I have seen this weekend about letting go and accepting things for what it is.

It’s going to be very difficult for any movies to beat this for my top spot of 2023.

I had very high expectations from this based on what I saw of the reviews. People also seemed to add that it is a modern day version of the Before trilogy. That trilogy is amongst one of my favorite trilogy’s of all time, so needless to say, I was very much looking forward to seeing this. While I could see some being turned off by its slower moments or even its realism and how it decides to wrap itself up, I do believe there is something for everyone from the performances to the camera work to the timely themes that are relevant to the past, present, and future.

The way the film starts make the audience curious of what’s to come. It also manages to put the audience in the first-person perspective, which gave me the impression that I was singlehandedly witnessing this story through spying. At times, it felt like I wasn’t meant to see what I was seeing because of his personable it was, but I also didn’t want to stop seeing what I was witnessing. That’s how impressive this perspective was.

As the story unfolds over a period of 24 years, I am glad that the movie never tries to go back and forth between time. It’s a tool used sparingly, but it was used organically. I was afraid that if they did that, then it would have taken viewers out from being there in real time with these characters.

I am sure by the end of this year, director Celine Song and the lead actor & actress, Greta Lee & Teo Yoo will be mentioned much more. Perhaps what makes Song’s direction so strong is utilizing the camera to be a main character as well. She has a strong understanding of where to place the camera, as well as knowing what colors to use to best express the character’s emotions. Going off of that, she directs Lee & Yoo phenomenally. You get the sense that these characters are having real chemistry and organic dialogue. Throughout the film, they stay committed to their characters in a way that feels true to how their characters are written from the get go.

Overall, this is a beautiful film that I don’t think many viewers are going to be ready for. Rather than giving into expectations, the film gives an earnest and honest look at reality and how to accept that. Director Celine Song and talent, Greta Lee and Teo Yoo, have a very promising career ahead of them.

VERDICT: 5/5 (Perfect)