Before Sunset (2004)
Raiting: 
8,2 /10
Genre: Drama
Director: Richard Linklater
Stars: Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy
Country: United States
Release date: 10 February 2004
Length: 80 minutes
"Before Sunset" is a romantic drama film directed by Richard Linklater, released in 2004. It is the sequel to "Before Sunrise" (1995) and follows the reconnection of the two characters, Jesse and Celine, nine years after their initial meeting on a train to Vienna. The film is set in Paris, and like its predecessor, it unfolds in real time, creating an intimate portrait of the characters' encounter.
The storyline begins with Jesse, now a published author, giving a reading of his novel in a Parisian bookstore. His book is inspired by the night he spent with Celine in Vienna. As the reading ends, he is surprised to find Celine there, waiting to talk to him. They begin to catch up on the years that have passed, and Jesse reveals that he is on the last leg of his book tour and is due to fly back to the United States that very evening.
With limited time, Jesse and Celine decide to spend the few hours they have together walking around Paris. As they wander through the city's charming streets, cafes, and gardens, they engage in deep, philosophical, and personal conversations that reveal their current lives, hopes, disappointments, and unresolved feelings for each other. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and it becomes clear that their connection remains strong despite the years apart.
Throughout their conversations, Jesse and Celine confront the reality of their choices and the parallel lives they've led since their first encounter. Jesse is in an unhappy marriage with a son he loves, while Celine has been involved in environmental work and has faced her own romantic struggles. The film captures the essence of time, memory, and the road not taken, as the characters grapple with what might have been and what could still be.
The film culminates as they arrive at Celine's apartment. Jesse, who is supposed to head to the airport, is drawn into the comfort of Celine's home by the sound of a waltz and her offer to play him a song she wrote. As they share an intimate moment and Celine sings, it becomes apparent that Jesse will miss his flight. The film ends with the possibility of a new beginning for them, leaving the audience to ponder the future of Jesse and Celine's relationship.
"Before Sunset" is a thoughtful and beautifully crafted film that explores the complexities of love, life choices, and the passage of time with authenticity and grace. It's a dialogue-driven narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever pondered the 'what ifs' of a past romance. Linklater's direction, along with the natural and engaging performances by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who also co-wrote the screenplay, make "Before Sunset" a poignant and compelling continuation of Jesse and Celine's story.
Top cast - Before Sunset (2004)
Trailer - Before Sunset (2004)
"Before Sunset", directed by Richard Linklater, is a film that captures the essence of romantic serendipity and the complexities of time's passage with a poignancy that is rare and profound. As a sequel to "Before Sunrise", the film revisits the characters Jesse and Celine, portrayed with an authentic chemistry by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who also contributed to the script, enriching the dialogue with personal insights and depth.
The film's narrative structure is a marvel of simplicity and depth. Set in Paris, the City of Light, it unfolds in real time, allowing the audience to walk alongside the characters as they meander through picturesque streets and exchange thoughts on life, love, and the choices that define us. This conversational journey is the heart of the film, with each line of dialogue peeling back layers of the characters' pasts, present, and potential futures. The naturalistic performances of Hawke and Delpy are so convincing, one might forget they're watching a film and not eavesdropping on a private reunion.
Linklater's direction is subtle yet assured, with the camera serving as a quiet observer to the unfolding drama. There are no grand gestures or melodramatic climaxes here; instead, the film finds its power in the pauses, glances, and unspoken words that convey the weight of the moment. The cinematography captures the beauty of Paris in a way that feels intimate and personal, mirroring the characters' rediscovery of one another.
The theme of time is omnipresent, not only in the narrative's real-time format but also in the characters' reflections on their past nine years. "Before Sunset" addresses the consequences of choices made and the possibilities that still linger in the air, almost tangible between Jesse and Celine. The film deftly explores the idea of what it means to reconnect with someone who once altered the course of your life and how a single afternoon can hold the potential to do it all over again.
What truly sets "Before Sunset" apart is its ending, which is both satisfying and open-ended. The film concludes on a note that is neither definitive nor speculative, but rather perfectly in tune with the film's exploration of life's unpredictability. It's a testament to the film's artistry that viewers are left contemplating the characters' futures long after the credits roll, a sign of a story that has genuinely touched the heart.
In summary, "Before Sunset" is a masterful continuation of Jesse and Celine's journey that resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of time and love. It is a film that invites introspection and leaves a lasting impression, solidifying its place as a modern classic in the romantic genre. Richard Linklater and his team have crafted a film that is both a love letter to Paris and to the enduring power of connection.