Before Sunset (2004)

Director: Richard Linklater

Stars: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Runtime: 80 minutes

Synopsis: Nine years after Jesse and Celine first met, they encounter each other again on the French leg of Jesse's book tour.

Performances: 9/10
Screenplay: 9/10
Editing: 9/10
Cinematography: 8/10

Verdict: Nine long years after their romantic night in Vienna, Jesse, who has now written a novel about the encounter, and Céline meet again in Paris on the former's book tour. The pair haven't talked in nearly a decade but the chemistry they share hasn't faded away, as shown by Jesse's reaction when he first laid out on Céline while answering questions about his work. In a rush, he asks her out for a cup of coffee before his departure from the city in a few hours and she accepts without hesitation.

For the next hour or so, we follow our favorite couple in real time as they walk through the streets of Paris, conversing about different topics ranging from philosophy to art, and most importantly, to the question of what could've been. Would their lives be the same had they exchanged phone numbers in Vienna? Is the one-night better off as just a happy memory shared by two people living in different parts of the world?

And once again, it's the dialogue combined with the two leads' chemistry that makes the movie such a down-to-earth, heartwarming one that flows by so naturally. I absolutely adore eavesdropping on the conversation the two have and always feel like I'm getting something out of it, whether it comes from a sentimental or philosophical place. The similarities with its predecessor highlighted by Jesse's lack of time, as well as the exposition-heavy opening few minutes, can be a little distracting but fade in the background of a movie that had its mind elsewhere.

"Before Sunset" is more than just a sequel to one of the most beloved romance films ever made, it's a natural continuation to the story of Jesse and Céline that works like a charm. The editing, the setting, the performances, and the script are all phenomenally handled and do a great job of adding layers to the dream-like relationship shared by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy's characters. 

FINAL GRADE: 9/10