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Despite conversational catch-up, with talk about romance and romantic ideals, it’s difficult to call Before Sunset a romantic film. There isn’t even any passionate tongue action shared between the two, likely holding back because they’re already in relationships. During the latter half it actually feels quite painful seeing Jesse and Celine discuss what their lives are like now, and that they have always been thinking of each other. It’s more sentimental regret, with Jesse in particular believing that their lives could have been so different had they hooked up again. Upon hearing this, Celine references a similar classic, saying, “Maybe we're only good at brief encounters.”

Arranging to have his driver give Celine a lift home, the sequence that plays out in the car is the strongest in the film. Celine reveals to Jesse how her love life has suffered, unable to feel the way she did since their time together. As she’s angry and in tears, Jesse reaches for her arm only for her to slap his hand away. Minutes later the roles are reversed as Jesse pours out the problems about his loveless marriage. Celine reaches her hand out, as if to comfort him, but then yanks her arm back before he turns to her. It is a "blink-and-you’ll-miss-it" moment that lasts no more than two seconds, rewarding the audience with more than Jesse knows, and says more about how Celine feels than any words can. It’s heartbreaking and magnificently sidesteps any expected clichés.
It shows how just a few hours have left long lasting memories for years, since they both remember their night together like it’s some perfect romantic movie, and yet here they deconstruct the romantic ideals that they created to devastating effect. It's kind of like breaking into the Louvre and using a flamethrower on the Mona Lisa, only to have the charred remains leave a new but equally emotional response.

The first film was a minor hit, making $5.5 million in the US, grossing $22.6 million worldwide. Before Sunset performed similarly, with a limited release that finished up in the US with $5.8 million. Unusually, its overseas takings of $10.1 million meant that it earned less, with $15.9 million overall, despite playing in more locations.

Before Sunset could dangerously have you contemplating your own "what if" questions about missed chances and commitment. Like before, the ambiguous (though cleverly fitting) close means that it’s left largely to your broken imagination as to where their relationship goes. Maybe there’ll be another one in a few years time. After Sundown, anyone?

Directed by – Richard Linklater

Written by – Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Kim Krizan

Starring – Ethan Hawke (Jesse Wallace), Julie Delpy (Celine), Diabolo (Philippe), Vermon Dobtcheff (Bookstore Manager)

Length – 77 minutes

Cert – 15 / R

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