Past Life

In select theaters
June 2^nd 2017

109 minutes

Hebrew
English
German
Polish

Israel
Poland

Inspired by true events, PAST LIFE tracks the daring 1977 trans-European odyssey of two sisters – one an introverted ambitious classical music composer, and the other a combative liberal magazine editor. As they try to unravel a disturbing wartime mystery that has cast a foreboding shadow on their entire lives, they realize that freedom from the shackles of the past requires painful sacrifices, as does the struggle to discover one’s unique voice.

starring...

Joy Rieger

Sephi Milch

Nelly Tagar

Nana Milch-Kotler

Doron Tavory

Baruch Milch

Evgenia Dodina

Lusia Milch

Tom Avni

Jeremy Kotler

Rafael Stachowiak

Thomas Zielinski

Katarzyna Gniewkowska

Agnieszka Zielinska

Writer & Director

Avi Nesher

Cinematography

Michel Abramowicz

Film Editing

Isaac Sehayek

Production Design

Eitan Levi

Music

Cyrille Aufort, Avner Dorman, Ella Milch-Sheriff

91% on the CINEMETER

STL

91% - May 7, 2017

A very powerful film, one that encourages forgiveness, tolerance, truth in the face of all adversity.
St. Louis Member

Beautiful music and interesting slice of WWII, I felt the pain, hatred and excesses of the war. Forgiveness is necessary for human existence.
Amazing, touching, intelligent -- a lesson for today.

St. Louis Member

A beautiful and fitting end to a great season. A film of discovery and compassion.
St. Louis Member

Powerful film, compelling story, excellent cast.
St. Louis Member

Heavy. . .a serious Holocaust story, beautifully adapted, beautifully acted--shows understanding and compassion on the part of the Polish conductor---forgiveness is hard. but I felt at the end there was a release on the part of the sister of the deceased woman, as well as forgiveness towards the father.
St. Louis Member

Powerful. Absorbing. An incredible story, outstanding acting. Combines so many emotional levels. I would see it again.
St. Louis Member

ATL

94% - May 7, 2017

Beautiful film, a good (& no doubt true) understanding of "never forget." Music was so spectacularly used to add emotion which could then become subtle in the performances.
Atlanta Member

It is incredibly important for stories like this to be told in film--with the support of powerful music. The emotion evoked helps to keep the stories of the Holocaust in our human narrative for generations to come.
Atlanta Member

One of the best we've screened. The acting was superior.
Atlanta Member

This film communicated the impact of the Holocaust on two generations very effectively. Also, the difficulty path to forgiveness between the Germans, Poles and Israelis. Touching in the peace-making the second generation brought to these families.
Atlanta Member

The editing was superior. The juxtaposition of different scenes and dialogue--almost overlapping--made each of the scenes more impactful.
Atlanta Member

MIL

89% - May 7, 2017

A very touching examination of how children can be affected by long-past events that they need to struggle to understand.
Milwaukee Member

I just loved everything about this film! Thanks!
Milwaukee Member

Excellent! One of the benefits of foreign language films is their complexity.
Milwaukee Member

Really loved it! Best of the season!
Milwaukee Member

BOS

96% - Apr 30, 2017

Another outstanding movie from Israel. The tragedy of the holocaust becomes alive through music and Personal story of two families that intersected.
Boston Member

A taut, intense drama. Dark, tight visuals and the haunting music carry the emotion of the film.
Boston Member

Beautiful interweaving of acting, cinematography and music—powerful tapestry.
Boston Member

Very moving. Exquisite use of dramatic tension.
Boston Member

Compelling, disturbing film—superb movie.
Boston Member

87% - May 7, 2017

I loved this film - kept me on the edge of my seat with all the mystery. Beautiful exploration of the effects of secrets and lies.
San Francisco Member

A complicated story of war, guilt and final forgiveness. Intense - a good story, wonderful music, and not the expected outcome.
San Francisco Member

Quite a mash-up. Like David Lynch, Shakespeare and Sophie's Choice all jumbled together. But it worked and was a great movie.
San Francisco Member

Lies and secrets live on, whether Holocaust, slavery, war - needs to be told. Brilliant, moving and credible.
San Francisco Member

As someone who is often turned off by melodrama, this one managed not to push me over the edge - struck just the right note.
San Francisco Member

91% - Apr 30, 2017

Superb. Nothing easy about forgiveness!
Greater New Haven Member

I enjoyed the mixture of mystery and melodrama. Although the film had an "enough already" quality towards the end, it distracted little from the strength of the film.
Greater New Haven Member

Good story to tell. The pacing was good, and just when you think a moment of predictability enters the room, things change. However, if it weren't a true story, I'd find it a bit contrived.
Greater New Haven Member

Grief needs to be expressed fully and can be turned to beauty. If not, it just recycled into the next war.
Greater New Haven Member

A riveting story that tackles the theme of forgiveness from every end. Excellent!
Greater New Haven Member

Great film - glad to be ending the season on a high note!
Greater New Haven Member

92% - Apr 30, 2017

"Can't we all just get along" A very timely reminder that forgiveness is necessarily a personal decisions that we all benefit. Peace.
Washington, DC Member

Despite my reservations about the story line linking Nana's concert punishment for her father's deed and lies, I found this an extremely powerful, rich, thoughtful and moving film. I might not have seen it on my own.
Washington, DC Member

Bravo! Forgiveness is so hard but so worth it.
Washington, DC Member

As complexly woven and beautiful as a concerto itself - a haunting film, touching and sad, yet filled with the beauty of forgiveness and love.
Washington, DC Member

Beautiful. Heroic. Masterful. Etc. etc. etc.
Washington, DC Member

I am once again made aware of the many Holocaust stories that are still revealing themselves. This one revealed how evil and tragedy can be shrouded in the fog of memory and the confusion of mis-impressions and assumptions. Brilliant and beautiful, both visually and aurally.
Washington, DC Member

Samuel Goldwyn Films