Before Sunset 2004

I can feel the push and pull between being comfortable and being awkward. They are more of the same, but now matured and shaped by their experiences. The first film is very idealistic, while this one feels more realistic. They are now hyper aware and able to evaluate past relationships without basking in the glimmer of hope. This film digs deeper into what love and connection really mean. Like when Celine said, "I guess when you're young, you just believe there'll be many people with whom you'll connect with. Later in life, you realize it only happens a few times." I resonated with Julie during the boat scene when she said, "You can never replace anyone because everyone is made up of such beautiful specific details." I teared up with all the what ifs surrounding Jesse. They feel like disruptors of their own lives, like they met at the right time but also the wrong time. They are clearly missing pieces of each other’s lives. This film is painfully honest. It is like holding up a mirror. My only complaint is the uneven lighting on their faces. Ethan is more lit than Julie in the coffee shop scene. Even during the walk in the park, it heavily relies on natural lighting, and since it is sunset, most shots are backlit. But that is just a minor issue compared to the strength of the script and the story.