The “Before…” trilogy to me is like a box that is opened every 9 years. You look into it and just for about a short while you are allowed to look into the lives of two people, Jesse and Celine. The first time you met them (Before Sunrise) they did too and when the box closed you thought about what might have happened afterwards. 9 years it opened again (Before Sunset) and you found out what ended up happening, where both of them were in their lives. Also at the end of that movie you start wondering if Jesse went to the airport, if the two kept in contact. Now that the third movie has been released you finally get to see the answers to those questions and know if the theories you might have thought up are right.
I was extremely excited to see this movie (probably my most anticipated movie this year) and from the moment the movie opens you are happy to see Jesse again, this time with the son he talked about in the second movie. When Celine also appears you still don’t know what the current relationship is between the two. You ask yourself if Jesse just happens to run into her again or if the two are there together. I won’t spoil anything, but I was happy to see what unfolded.
Based on the first two movies you have come to expect one specific thing: Two people walking through a city and just talking about the things that keep them busy. This third movie does have that as well, but for the second part of the movie other characters are also added. I can imagine that some people might have an issue with this as it slightly changes the format, but I understood the inclusion. It allows to further get to know both these beloved characters. Others can ask them questions (and tell their own stories) Jesse and Celine might not ask each other.
The movie is set in Greece and it is a beautiful background to set this story against, but the focus (as always) is the relationship between the characters. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy still have that amazing chemistry. You never feel they are acting, they are their characters and their conversations are as real as ever, regularly injected with some humorous moments. As I was watching I kept hoping the lid of the box would stay open and there were moments where I was sure the credits would start rolling (which they fortunately didn’t). Whether you’ll appreciate this movie yourself probably also has to do with your own age. I’m almost the same age as the characters which means you can relate to some of the things they are talking about. I hope that another movie in this series will be made as I can’t get enough of them. It is currently the only movie trilogy where I have given a perfect score to each movie.
Superb stuff Nostra. Really looking forward to this, can’t wait to catch up with the characters again. I was worried it would go off the rails a bit with this one but I’m so glad it’s getting positive reviews.
Yeah, there was that risk, but I don’t think it did. I always had the confidence it would be good, the same people were working on it.
I am so incrediby anxious to see this film. Unfortunately it doesn’t open for another 2 weeks in my area. I’m even more excited now that I see this 10 attached to it! Nice review my friend.
Yeah, the wait is annoying but don’t focus on it too much 🙂 Thanks Keith.
Ooh you’re making me more excited! I hope I can see it soon! Also want to have a marathon as well, but don’t know when I can watch it. I like the words “The “Before…” trilogy to me is like a box that is opened every 9 years. You look into it and just for about a short while you are allowed to look into the lives of two people, Jesse and Celine.” So true!
Hope you’ll be able to see it soon. Thanks for the compliments.
I’m hoping you and I are on the same page with this one. I’ll be watching it tomorrow night.
Good review. You didn’t give anything away. The trailer on the other hand, does.
No, I hate spoiling it for people. Shame the trailer did spoil bits…as you know I never watch them for that very reason.
Nice review. I’m planning on seeing this tomorrow and I haven’t read a negative review so far.
Enjoy it!
Nice review!
Thank you Marilyn!
Good one, Nostra. Saw this last week as well and loved the hell out of it. It was kind of hard to watch at times, but I’m so glad we got another movie out of these guys.
Thanks Eric. It was excellent, wasn’t it? It is hard at times, but so is life. Same thing in the second one when they argue in the cab…
WOW, a perfect score! That good huh? I really enjoy these two together so I’ll probably be as enamored with this as you.
I’m not going to lie…I loved it! Hope you will see it soon Chris.
Great Review! I am so happy to see this film is getting excellent reviews everywhere. I wonder if there is gonna be another one in 9 years? 🙂
You are not the only one wondering about that Erik! 🙂
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