It's been nearly a decade since the preceding film was released, yet a worthy sequel has resulted. Man, Ethan Hawke is starting to look old. Anyways...enjoy the review.
Before Sunset
Review by Jon Waterman
***1/2
Nine years ago on a train ride through Europe, Jesse met the most incredible woman he’s ever met before. Celine was a great and intelligent conversationalist who mixed with him well, no matter what they threw at each other. They spent one unforgettable night together talking virtually non-stop about everything and anything. But then Jesse had to leave. They made plans to meet again in six months, without exchanging any other form of contact information. It didn’t happen. Now, Jesse is in France with his new book, which tells of the encounter in a more or less fictional way. Celine stops by and the start back where they left off.
Just in case you never saw “Before Sunrise,” the film incorporates some clips from it near the beginning to help recap the story thus far. Normally, this tactic is kind of lame and unnecessary, but since there has been nine years in between films it works. It also works because it encapsulates the emotions and moments into convenient memory flashes. They show how this experience has been deeply ingrained into their minds.
The two meet outside the bookstore that Jesse’s tour is visiting and the conversations begin. They talk about several different topics, but mostly about that night and their stance on relationships. Given the circumstances, the feel is more confrontational and there’s a slightly bitter overtone to the whole thing. But no awkward pauses arise and it all moves very fluidly and rapidly. A little too rapidly. I wanted there to be more dialogue between them. I wanted to see them explore each other all over again like they once did. But it didn’t really happen.
This time around, the film takes on a more conventional editing approach. The characters are in motion a lot and the camera does track with them quite frequently, but gone are the days of single shot scenes. It was sort of sad to see that this style wasn’t repeated and it took a little bit of the magic away for me. Another less magical aspect was Julie Delpy (Celine). She just wasn’t as natural with her delivery here as she once was or as Ethan Hawke (Jesse) still is. As a result, the conversation is less conversational and seems more scripted (which it is – penned by the two stars and director Richard Linklater).
While these small things could be considered disappointments, the film cannot. Where “Before Sunset” accurately expressed the wonder and elation of meeting someone new and taking risks, “Before Sunrise” realistically shows the second chance opportunity with the one that got away. It’s the ability to connect with the audience through these universal, yet personal emotional situations that truly make these films stand out. The conversations are still fun to listen to and rather insightful and introspective. I was also pleasantly surprised with the ending. It just made the whole film experience that much more beautiful.
Before Sunset
Review by Jon Waterman
***1/2
Nine years ago on a train ride through Europe, Jesse met the most incredible woman he’s ever met before. Celine was a great and intelligent conversationalist who mixed with him well, no matter what they threw at each other. They spent one unforgettable night together talking virtually non-stop about everything and anything. But then Jesse had to leave. They made plans to meet again in six months, without exchanging any other form of contact information. It didn’t happen. Now, Jesse is in France with his new book, which tells of the encounter in a more or less fictional way. Celine stops by and the start back where they left off.
Just in case you never saw “Before Sunrise,” the film incorporates some clips from it near the beginning to help recap the story thus far. Normally, this tactic is kind of lame and unnecessary, but since there has been nine years in between films it works. It also works because it encapsulates the emotions and moments into convenient memory flashes. They show how this experience has been deeply ingrained into their minds.
The two meet outside the bookstore that Jesse’s tour is visiting and the conversations begin. They talk about several different topics, but mostly about that night and their stance on relationships. Given the circumstances, the feel is more confrontational and there’s a slightly bitter overtone to the whole thing. But no awkward pauses arise and it all moves very fluidly and rapidly. A little too rapidly. I wanted there to be more dialogue between them. I wanted to see them explore each other all over again like they once did. But it didn’t really happen.
This time around, the film takes on a more conventional editing approach. The characters are in motion a lot and the camera does track with them quite frequently, but gone are the days of single shot scenes. It was sort of sad to see that this style wasn’t repeated and it took a little bit of the magic away for me. Another less magical aspect was Julie Delpy (Celine). She just wasn’t as natural with her delivery here as she once was or as Ethan Hawke (Jesse) still is. As a result, the conversation is less conversational and seems more scripted (which it is – penned by the two stars and director Richard Linklater).
While these small things could be considered disappointments, the film cannot. Where “Before Sunset” accurately expressed the wonder and elation of meeting someone new and taking risks, “Before Sunrise” realistically shows the second chance opportunity with the one that got away. It’s the ability to connect with the audience through these universal, yet personal emotional situations that truly make these films stand out. The conversations are still fun to listen to and rather insightful and introspective. I was also pleasantly surprised with the ending. It just made the whole film experience that much more beautiful.
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