Tag: John Magaro

PAST LIVES (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Celine Song

Cinematography: Shabier Kirchner

Editor: Keith Fraase 

Cast: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro 

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.

For a film that can be so romantic. It is ultimately a film about heartbreak. 

The film has a cinematic beginning of what if. That ends up answering all the questions that the opening scene raises and gives the answers a lot more depth. It does give the film an initial memory that is replayed later, but it is also the only part of the film that feels a bit more pandering and conventional. 

The film is a story that should be a two-hander. The films to will remind you of usually are such as the BEFORE trilogy (BEFORE SUNRISE, BEFORE SUNSET, BEFORE MIDNIGHT) and other romantic films such as SUMMERTIME, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. That usually takes place in foreign locales. To paint a view of being a visitor or an outsider exploring the terrain or make the audience feel that way.

Here the film does take place in a few foreign locales but rarely explores them. As it is more interested in exploring the character’s motivations, emotions, and decisions. 

Which is what works in its favor as it has its own vibe. While staying reminiscent of those other films. If it had followed suit it would have been fine. There are many ways to tell a story. Just make sure you tell it well and to the best of your ability. 

These films are usually told through conversations. This film is similar but more is said by what the characters don’t say and through gazes, looks, body language, and actions. Films were a bit more common when I was younger and indie cinema was seen as the cream de la creme. Now these types of films are a rarity and it’s no wonder why such praise is heaped upon them. 

This film takes place over time, over decades but mainly a few days in their lives, And while it is a small story. It is an emotional minefield that stays subdued but feels bigger than it is letting on. Ultimately it involves fate and the future, but the past is important as it gives the modern definition. 

The film shows the grace and beauty of Greta Lee in a star-making lead performance. Showing her great range as I primarily remember her from the movie SISTERS, where she played a more comedic over-the-top role. Here you can’t help but fall for her. You see what the other characters surrounding her see.

This is a film where it’s relatable to the audience. As it is about that person who got away and wonders what could have been. It also might remind people of that special friend they grew up with and not only what happened to them, but why they never really got together. 

Everything through the film has a subtlety but is devastating. It feels like a testament to things never truly said or spoken. As the characters dance around, just to get to the heart of the matter and moments. 

Grade: A- 

THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK (2021)

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Directed By: Alan Taylor 
Written by: David Chase & Lawrence Konner
Cinematography: Kramer Morgenthau
Editor: Christopher Tellefsen

Cast: Alessandro Nivola, Ray Liotta, Leslie Odom Jr, Vera Farmiga, Jon Bernthal, Corey Stoll, Michael Gandolfini, Michaela De Rossi, Billy Magnussen, John Magaro, Joey Diaz, Talia Balsam, Ed Marinaro

Before becoming the notorious crime legend, young and inexperienced Anthony Soprano was under the wing of his father figure and mentor, Dickie Moltisanti. Against the backdrop of racial injustice during the violent 1967 Newark riots in the streets of Newark, New Jersey, and a destructive, all-out gang war with ambitious, mighty challengers, Uncle Dickie shows Tony the ropes, paving the way for a new era in crime.

Not really a continuation, but a prequel to see those who came before Tony Soprano and his crew and a glimpse into the environment she not only grew up in but the character who would surround him And guide him.

The film also offers insight into these characters and the ones we already know from the series. This is fun, As here we see them when they are younger and struggling for power. As some of the actions and treachery will have us looking at certain characters differently.

The film offers mroe of a psychological character glimpse and more examines Christopher’s father and Tony’s uncle Dickie we see how he goes about his business and affairs, especially after his father passed away and he is thrust into more of a leadership position. Who influenced Tony soprano and offers eventually a glimpse of what could have been.

As with the series, the film feels dense and has depth. Some of which are told and have some deeper meanings left unsaid but reflected in reactions and situations. 

There is a femme fatale of sorts who is innocent in her aspirations and character but who up the stakes for dickie constantly and seem to be the cause of bad decisions and downfalls.

As the film does concern itself with race. Especially African Americans. The second half of the film concentrates on a mob war between the Italians and the African American crew run by Leslie Odom Jr’s character who used to work for him.

The film takes full advantage of the uncomfortable race relations of the original show. There I was always on the edges where it is flat out in your face and a plot point

It feels like a natural progression for the film to concern race. As African Americans were largely absent from the series and the few times they were seemed disparaging also the casual racism of the main characters of the show shines through. Here it seems to try and make up for a lack of them on the show by offering a few more characters Of color here. 

Still with racist and insulting language and attitudes. Though with less mention of the N-Word. Though the film offers even if at times feels needlessly done in a classic but new time period.

The film showcases the domino effect of how one act eventually destroys and influences so many. In what could have been positive. Which ends up setting the stage for the show. Even if out of pettiness. 

The film doesn’t feel like a one-off it feels like the beginning of more stories or prequels to tell us the story of Tony’s eventual rise to power. 

Even if beautifully shot, it still feels like two flashback episodes that could have easily been part of the show. Plenty of nuances, Unfortunately for some that include taking It’s time abs not necessarily being that action-oriented or anything too monumental happening. As that was never what the show was truly about but people looked at it for. As anything action-oriented usually came out of nowhere not when you were expecting it in the first place.

The film doesn’t really change or offer too much insight or anything to shock the audience. Especially for those familiar with the show. Who will end up being the most entertained by this film. 

Grade: C