Before Sunset
What if you had a second chance with the one that got away?
Overview
Nine years later, Jesse travels across Europe giving readings from a book he wrote about the night he spent in Vienna with Celine. After his reading in Paris, Celine finds him, and they spend part of the day together before Jesse has to again leave for a flight. They are both in relationships now, and Jesse has a son, but as their strong feelings for each other start to return, both confess a longing for more.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Before Sunset picks up nine years after 'Before Sunrise', exploring how Celine and Jesse's youthful idealism has been impacted by the realities of adulthood. The film reflects a growing millennial preoccupation with authenticity and grappling with choices made in the past, specifically the missed opportunity revealed in the first movie.
- The naturalistic dialogue and compelling performances by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy create a believable and deeply engaging connection between the characters.
- The film's exploration of lost love, regret, and the 'what ifs' of life resonates with audiences on a deeply personal level.
- The real-time format and the Parisian setting add a sense of immediacy and romance to the story, drawing the viewer into Celine and Jesse's intimate conversation.
- It serves as a thoughtful meditation on the challenges of maintaining relationships and pursuing dreams as one gets older.
Fun Facts
- Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy co-wrote the script with director Richard Linklater, and were nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
- The film was shot in Paris in just a few weeks, adding to the sense of spontaneity and realism.
- The book Jesse is promoting in the movie, 'This Time,' is fictional but based on the events of 'Before Sunrise'.