The second most fun I've had as a third wheel

Rating: 7/10 (26 March 2020)

Before Sunset exceeded my expectations for a sequel. In my opinion it lives up to its predecessor but with its own unique tone,
with each offering a unique experience that the characters go through in different stages in their lives.
The excitement and youth of the first, stays in that very moment locked away. A moment they refer to often, as maybe their most memorable or fondest night ever shared with another individual, while here in the present, we find a slew of new emotions evolved from the first experience, but now with more mature and worn out individuals, that find themselves going through a similar scenario.
I watch these incredible performances where practically, all they are doing is walking around and catching up, yet I find myself captivated.
When I think about it on a technical aspect, most of the scenes, are shot in one shots. Personally, I can't help but feel as if it's a live performance that was all done in single takes. This footage feels so real to me, more like a play than a movie.
Yet another thing that helped me connect so well with these characters, is the feeling that I've had almost identical conversations or thoughts myself, and to see them be played out feels so personal.
In the end of the movie, we are still left wondering, how does it work out for Celine and Jesse? It ends as ambiguously as the first did, and in a way, it's even more ambiguous if we take in consideration what happened the last time they were in a similar situation.
It really can all boil down to our own outlook on life and love. With everyone having their own experiences and finding themselves at different stages in life.
For now, I consider myself somewhat hopeful. I guess we'll find out in Before Midnight.