Great romance - much better than Before Sunrise

Rating: 8/10 (5 May 2010)

When a move is a sequel it is hard for me to review the film without referring to the original, so here goes............
This is a very, very good film; although sequels rarely are better than the originals, this is clearly an exception. It is better than Before Sunrise. Whereas Sunrise bordered on pretentious, Sunset is very real and on the mark. The main characters in Sunset were somewhat annoying and we had a hard time liking them (which is not necessary in most films, but I prefer sympathetic characters in a romance), while in this sequel they are much more real and the audience can feel their unhappiness with what is, and understand that they may yet have a chance at greater happiness. In the first film most of us can't wait till they separate, while in the second we hope they remain together.
I think that this film is better directed, better paced and better acted. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic films, especially when you are in the mood of remembering your first love and wondering what might have been.