A perfectly constructed portrait of friends of old

Rating: 10/10 (3 May 2005)

This movie has had more of an impact on me personally than any other movie Ihave ever scene. Having said that, I believe that objectively, this movie is a cinematic masterpiece. I don't know if I would consider this a sequel, but if so, this is truly one of those rare gems that is benefited from the original, and in my opinion, overshadows the original.
First, the story works so well because of the genuine chemistry between Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy). This can be attributed not only to the genuine performances of the two leads, but also to the fact that the back story is already established in the previous film. Before Sunrise, which tells the tale of how these two met, how they connected, and how they made a promise to reunite, essentially serves as a detailed and rich first act, and therefore no time was needed to be allotted to establishing their chemistry in the Sunset. We are already invested in their relationship from the opening frame.
Second, this movie serves as a testament to human nature, how people's views change, and the little inconsistencies that make us who we are. In the Sunrise, Celine establishes that she believes in reincarnation; in Sunset, she asserts that she does not. Is this inconsistency an oversight on the part of the writers. I think not. I think these writers know these characters, and their history, so well. Rather, I think that this change in thought reflects the change contemplated in the character-- and is consistent with her, "I don't believe in anything anymore" speech in the limo.
I can go on and on. This is one of those movies that I can watch over and over, and pick up something new each time.