I think what makes Before Midnight so great is also what makes it the least rewatchable of all 3 movies. It's the after in "Happily Ever After" that you always see in romantic stories. What happens when the guy gets the girl? The answer... a lot of stuff, not all of it's good. So seeing the years add up and all of the problems any relationship would have, especially one with kids, that's what makes it so unique and special. So while it's vitally important to the overall story and gives you a phenomenal conclusion, it's also kind of a bummer. It's just like Jesse said about the ending of his book.. it depends on your outlook and point of view, you either see the ending as a hopeful moment that despite everything these two have been through.. they still love and care about each other and they're going to make it work. The other side could say that they're only covering up holes that will keep opening back up and they're only delaying the inevitable. I think I'm an optimist, so I see the final scene as hopeful.
Before Sunrise is just adorable and charming and romantic in all the right ways. You get the meet cute moment, you get the awkward getting to know you part, and then you get the real connection and moments of this new couple. Character wise, it's fascinating to see how their points of view and attitudes are different or the same at various points.. with this movie representing them at their youngest and most idealistic phase of their lives.
But Before Sunset is just perfect. I think making it in real time adds another great element to the franchise and that sense of urgency is there, you know the sun is setting and the clock is ticking.. the story is accelerated. I remember being oddly nervous when I first noticed Jesse had a wedding ring as they feel each other out and try to see where they are in their lives. Their experiences have shaped their views and beliefs.. they're not quite the beat down and weary versions of themselves we see in Midnight, but they're definitely changed. A little wiser, a little more jaded, and but still the same people. Their guards are up at first.. like anyone's would be after not seeing each other for so long. But then it drops... and you get that conversation in the car... ugh.. when she reaches out to touch him but pulls back.. JESUS MAN
AND THAT FINAL SCENE, BRUH...
Where she sings her song.. and then puts on Nina Simone and the line "Baby.. you're gonna miss that plane". PERFECT
I ******* love these movies. But this one just gives you the best of all worlds. The romantic, hopefulness... the awkwardness and fear that maybe that other person doesn't feel the same still.. the new experiences you've had since you were last together.. it's just perfect.
big j 33
that's a good idea. I'm gonna waste my whole damn day doing this also
