 Rare
Honesty and Hypnotizing Conversations, November 19, 2004
In a world where characters seem to cautiously approach a
tentative friendship before diving into an impulsive romantic
relationship, it is almost refreshing to see both happening at
once. From the moment American Jesse meets the luminous French
Celine there is a soul connection that defies definition.
At first, Celine seems to overwhelm Jesse with her intellectual
wanderings and yet she playfully allows him to tease her. The
chemistry is phenomenal and the sheer beauty of various scenes
made me realize how the simplicity of the settings actually
enhanced the emotional aspects.
Throughout the entire movie you never feel that you are on the
outside looking in, although I think that is the underlying
attraction. I was so mesmerized by the script I felt I became
each character as they were speaking. This is bliss for anyone
who loves the sheer honesty of life itself. Jesse and Celine
delve into philosophy, creatively describe their first romantic
feelings and enjoy a spontaneous merging of the minds.
When they meet on a train heading to Vienna, neither imagine
they will encounter a reality that is better than any fantasy.
There is a sweet innocence pervading this entire movie with an
underlying erotic tension that never seems to find complete
fulfillment on screen. While the ending of this movie is more
melancholy, the ending of Before Sunset is more than delicious.
Before Sunset
Continuing
the Conversation, November 19, 2004
When Celine and Jesse meet again in Paris we can't help but
wonder about the meeting they originally planned. After the
first movie I was more prepared for the mesmerizing experience.
With pomegranate in hand (a good substitute for popcorn), I
watched with a sense of anticipatory wonder. Would these two
ever connect on more than a soul level, did they connect before
and would this continuing conversation lead to some mutual
fulfillment? I was not disappointed.
The playful banter reaches some humorous high points that are
beyond witty. Celine and Jesse seem to share a natural
chemistry, which allows them to speak honestly without fear of
rejection. Together they find a delicate balance of revelation
and anticipation.
What amazed me most is the extended scenes filled with complex
conversations. The entire plot truly happens more in the
characters minds than onscreen. The casual natural sets are
still magical, but I think the best scene is in the first movie
when Celine and Jesse are kissing under the stars. The ending of
this movie has to be in my top 10 of inspiring movie endings.
There is a taste of the future and enough uncertainty to
intrigue long after this movie has ended.
Before Sunrise and Before Sunset Soundtrack
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