An Absolute Delight

Rating: Null/10 (23 August 2004)

I just saw this movie yesterday at the independent movie house in my city, I paid a six dollar matinée fee and nine dollars and seventy-five cents for a large soda/large tub of popcorn combo (it's to help support independent films so I went for it). So basically, I shelled out sixteen dollars to see a movie. Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! I was a huge fan of Before Sunrise, and was practically hyperventilating at the thought of a sequel that I heard by chance while dozing on the couch at 3 in the morning with the Entertainment Network playing on the TV. I woke up suddenly when I heard the Before Sunrise title mentioned, and just about danced for joy when they said that Before Sunset would be coming out in July. I had to wait for it to make it's debut in my town over a month later. I refuse to give away any spoilers on this movie, because it's such a wonderful treat watching the movie unfold over the conversations that this couple have, revealing themselves to each other and talking about their lives. Believe me, I was tempted to read as much as I could about the movie before seeing it, but swore off anything other than time and date of the movie. I think it my patience was more than rewarded, however even if I had read the spoilers, I would have still enjoyed this movie immensely. The dialogue is just sublime. I have a special affinity for this movie, and sequel. Maybe it's become I was the same age as Celine in both movies when the movies came out, and the idea of connecting with someone at such a young age and being hopeful about love, then to get to the point where it's almost 10 years later, how those attitudes about love and commitment change...it's just strikes such a cord with me. This is just such a beautiful movie, and Ethan And Julie do such an amazing job portraying Jessie and Celine. This movie at times doesn't even seem like a movie, but like were in on a most intimate and private conversation. No special effects, no huge car chases or animated monsters, just an amazing performance in a beautiful touching story.