Before Sunset film review

Review

Cast & crew

Before Sunset

(2004)

Nine years after their brief encounter in Vienna in Before Sunrise, director Richard Linklater reunites his two lovers for a second tryst, this time in Paris. Meeting “by chance” in a city bookshop, the pair talk of the past (they had vowed to meet up six months after their night in Vienna), their present and possible futures during the course of a 70-minute stroll that plays out in real time. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy reprise the roles of Jesse and Céline, slipping effortlessly back into them while adding layers of age and experience. Linklater directs his often perceptive script (co-written with Delpy and Hawke) with economy and quiet style. Fans of the first film will need no urging to see this sequel, but those who missed the first meeting of Jesse and Céline may feel a little left out in the cold, as an already developed affection for these talky and at times pretentious characters is a definite bonus. DA

Contains swearing.

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Running time

76min

Country of origin

Genre

Romantic Drama

Alternate title

Before Sunrise 2

Original language

English

Screenplay

Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, from a story by Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan, from characters created by Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan

Theatrical distributor

Warner Bros

UK cinema certificate

UK cinema release date

July 2004




awards information


	Award	Category	Name	Nominee/Winner

	Academy 2004	Writing (Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published)	Richard Linklater	Nominee
	Academy 2004	Writing (Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published)	Julie Delpy	Nominee
	Academy 2004	Writing (Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published)	Ethan Hawke	Nominee