jeoneungd

Who doesn’t love movies about second chances? There’s the ubiquitous Groundhog Day and If Only. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve watched this trope, and somehow, every time, it still feels good. Why? Because who doesn’t want redemption?

We live our busy lives, often forgetting about what really matters until it’s too late. Regret is what makes us human, and sometimes, it is that very regret that can consume us. Watching this beautiful rendition of love and redemption, brilliantly brought to life by Arthur Chen and Zhe Yu, reminded me of something simple: in life, don’t wait for a second chance.

I’m a big fan of Arthur Chen. His debonair looks, his presence, his attitude. I enjoy all of it. I also like the fact that he is controversial and has, at times, been the subject of attempts to “cancel” him in China. Can you imagine living inside a bubble where you are expected to live up to standards that even ordinary people couldn’t sustain?

And in this movie, the chemistry between Arthur Chen and Zhe Yu is palpable. It sparkles. I especially cherish the way they look at each other. There’s an authenticity in those moments that makes you forget you’re watching actors. Their chemistry doesn’t feel manufactured; it feels lived.

I’m glad I watched this despite all the controversies surrounding Arthur. At the end of the day, I believe we should be able to appreciate art for what it is. If we judged every artist solely by the life they lived, there would be so much art, music, literature, and cinema that we could no longer enjoy.

Sometimes, the art deserves to stand on its own.

And perhaps that is what Yesterday Once More ultimately reminds us: we may wish for a second chance, but the real gift is recognizing what matters before we need one.