An Unexpected Reunion

Rating: 8/10 (26 November 2012)

Richard Linklater presents Before Sunset (2004), which is the continuation of the talks that began in his film Before Sunrise (1995).
This time has been nine years since Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) met, both now meet again in Paris and talk until the time comes when he must take the plane back home.
The film is narrated in a linear fashion, we follow the two characters as they tour the city and talk, much of this is based on long sequence shots, which makes the film look like it is happening in real time. It is a simple story that is constructed from dialogue with the two characters. This is about second chances, in this case both begin to question themselves if they love to fantasize about the possibility of being together and lament about how fate has separated.
Both the plot and the characters are very human, we handle something as normal as it is a reunion, and through that we have a history.
The two main actors relied on the script, which shows in his performances, then, both know their characters and naturally react to everything and anything that helps the film feel forced and dialogues are very spontaneous.
It's a film that ultimately leaves us wanting more, and that could be frustrating. Shows how the first love never forgets and leaves a big footprint. The fact that long after you return to be with the person you fell in love and know that you only have a few hours before separating again is what affects them the two characters and the richness of the film is to see them bring that situation through almost pure dialogue.