an adult love story

Rating: Null/10 (27 November 2004)

"Before Sunset", much like it's predecessor (or at least my memory of it), is a real refreshing sort of film geared toward and about adults having adult relationships and adult conversations. Actually, the entire film is an adult conversation. One of the things that Richard Linklater has shown through the writing in his films is that he has no qualms about being what can only be described as "talky". As a means to keep the boredom level to a minimum, there are transitions in location every ten minutes or so, that I found occasionally awkward, but considering the high quality of everything else going on, this is merely nitpicking. As surprising a place to find a sequel as it is, "Before Sunset" really holds up on its own merit. It's filmed in a cinema verite style, with very long takes. Much of the credit of its success must go to Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who give outstanding, realistic, and moving performances. It's a highly engaging film, sparking activity in the heart as well as the mind, and bridging a gap between Linklater's philosophical "Waking Life" and his somewhat more romantic "Before Sunrise".