The Top Ten
1) Before Sunset
An 80-minute slice of cinematic perfection. I’ve seen the film twice now and I’m still dazzled by the lovely script, Richard Linklater’s sure-handed direction and the terrific performances from Ethan Hawke and, especially, Julie Delpy. There’s not a single false moment in the entire picture?every conversation, every awkward pause, every sideways glance feels completely natural. If Before Sunrise captured the adrenaline rush that comes with being young and in love, Before Sunset delves into the uncertainty and self-doubt that can accompany adulthood. Jesse and Celine have aged, but in a way they haven’t really grown up since that one night in Vienna almost a decade ago. I can understand why some critics have found these two characters insufferable (I’m not entirely certain that I would want to be around them in real life), but their fears, hopes and dreams resonated with me very deeply. It’s a very simple, quiet film, yet it speaks volumes about life, the universe and everything.
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