Right Now, Wrong Then

Right Now, Wrong Then opens up a fascinating vista into the multiplicity of human perspectives and the impact of differing behavioral approaches, with Jae-yeong Jeong and Kim Min-hee giving riveting performances.

Directed by Hong Sang-soo, the movie brings to the forefront a rare narrative style that weaves together nuances and subtleties, dissecting and presenting two overlapping stories about the same set of characters, but with divergent outcomes. The film is a brilliant reflection on the nature of relationships and the impact of minute choices on our life’s trajectory.

The film features Jae-yeong Jeong, a noted actor recognized for his impressive range and subtlety. He plays Ham Chun-su, a successful art-house film director who arrives a day earlier than scheduled in the city of Suwon. Killing time is not difficult for Chun-su as he decides to visit a local cultural landmark, a historic palace.

There, he encounters Yoon Hee-jeong (played by Kim Min-hee). Dressed in a winter coat with an enchanting bob of auburn hair, Hee-jeong is a modest artist, passionate about painting but struggling to make a career out of it. The two of them engage in spontaneous conversation that develops into a lovely camaraderie, deepening as they visit a small café, a sushi house, and eventually, a small get-together with Hee-jeong's friends.

What sets this film apart is its structure. Hong Sang-soo, known for his unique storytelling style, pushes his innovative narration techniques even further with Right Now, Wrong Then. The same story is told twice, with subtle variations that make a marked difference in the tone, shade and eventual resolution of the characters' narratives.

In the first half, we see a charming, but perhaps somewhat arrogant Chun-su who is quite forthright in expressing his sentiments. His compliments toward Hee-jeong and his candid approach seem to exist in a vacuum of repercussion. In the second half, however, the film retells the same series of events with a palpably different nuance. The conscience of Chun-su is more evident this time around with his behavior appearing more measured, restrained and socially considerate.

Hee-jeong’s characterization remains more or less constant throughout as she maintains her persona of a modest artist looking for a genuine connection. However, her reactions vary significantly depending on Chun-su’s demeanor in the respective narratives.

Packed with humor, and infused with a slow-burning charm, Right Now, Wrong Then is an introspective exploration into the duality of human interactions and the profound impact small gestures and choices can have on personal relationships.

The impressive chemistry between Jeong and Min-hee makes the story more stimulating and heartfelt. Their genuine ability to display the range of human emotions adds depth to their interactions. Complementing these performances is the unfussy cinematography that sets up an intimate atmosphere, capturing the nuanced performances while placing the characters in believable settings.

The supporting cast, especially Youn Yuh-jung (who plays one of Hee-jeong’s friends), adds further depth to the narrative with their realistic and-grounded performances.

The film is not just an engaging romantic tale, but harbors an intellectual essence that ponders upon the nature of reality versus facade, the dynamics of human relationships and the impact of ethical choices. The singular storytelling style of Hong Sang-soo offers not just entertainment, but also food for thought in this contemplative cinematic gem.

From its standout performances to its thought-provoking narrative and undeniably attractive aesthetic, Right Now, Wrong Then offers a fresh, balanced take on mundane interactions that feels all too real. A delightful and thoughtful experience for viewers, it presents a beautiful narrative that lingers, much like the tantalizing possibilities in our own daily encounters.