“Before Sunset”
Everything the first did exceptionally, this did it just as exceptionally. Of course, different circumstances and different consequences make for a different story, but overall the same essence and layered meanings still remain.
The core of the first film was in the fact that love creates acceptance of oneself, that we don’t necessarily feel fulfilled or like our complete selves until love arrives and allows for someone else to understand us. This film further demonstrates that exact message, just in a more sort of triumphant way.
It’s not through the same magic that the first one withholds that this one expresses itself. Sure, it’s most certainly prevalent in the glances the two share, the careful and deliberate dialogue, and the romantic nature, but it’s through this distance that the two have been separated by and the impossible and dreamlike outcome of being together that the messages become vivid.
As Jesse says in this film, no one really changes throughout their life. Yes, bits and pieces evolve and shift, but everyone ultimately is the same person they always are, and it’s a beautiful feeling that we are our own unique selves. To me, that notion is explained thoroughly by the interactions between the two in this film. They act, banter, talk, and look at one another in literally the same way they did nine years ago, and most importantly, the exact same love flows through them when with each other despite the nine year gap.
On the contrary of Jesse’s current relationship, the love and connection that the two of them share has never diminished, and that is why love is such a powerful and inexplicable force in our lives. Sometimes we think we feel it, like Jesse did with his wife, and it slowly dissipates, and we are left to question whether or not that actually was love. Yet, when you are in a situation where the question of whether or not the love you feel is still there all of a sudden is nonexistent, then that’s how you know it’s real.
These people experienced almost a decade apart, became completely new people, got jobs, followed their passions, and got into relationships, yet walked out of it completely the same people. Jesse still doesn’t feel like he belongs and still desires more than what he has; and Celine is still this seemingly independent and self aware girl that would rather be alone than with someone. And both of them have a hard time accepting the love that presents itself in their lives, but when they are together, love invites itself in and makes itself at home without any fear or without being kicked out.
Love is a persevering sensation that pierces through any self doubt and fear that one holds onto, and this movie showcases that sensation through the same principles that the first one excels in. It’s the careful dialogue, romantic setting, simplistic storytelling devices, and quiet moments that drive this home and allow for open interpretation, deriving from a sensation of joining these characters on their journey as an observer.
