Before Midnight

In the final part of the trilogy, Linklater and I really clicked. His characters have finally grown up and, despite their flaws, they are now able to behave as mature parents and partners. It is no longer so self-centered because their children, acquaintances, and friends complement the married couple. In terms of age, worries, and emotions, I feel close to them and I understand their problems and behavior. I would say that Linklater has matured as a filmmaker during the long breaks between films. Overall impression: 80%. (07/19/2018)

Another incredibly mature work. Fantastically oscillating between melancholy, romance, drama, and exaggeration. Flawless acting and the several minutes-long shots, concentrating all the film energy on the two protagonists are a stroke of brilliance. A generational change within the theme, but the quality is absolutely unchanged. This is life. (08/23/2013)

Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke’s romance hit my life out of the blue. I actually entered the story at a moment when they met for the second time, supposedly by coincidence and again in Paris. Yes, I didn’t have the honor of watching their first meeting after I saw this one. On the other hand, I believe that I got quite far when it comes to intimate discussions and I managed to catch a lot from the things that happen in the movie. Unfortunately, I simply can’t give it more than four stars. I think that maybe a woman would appreciate this part more than a man. Whatever is a victory for the lady in this movie is a challenge for the man. And I’m talking about relationships. And in this one, Julie does it several times. The opening part of the movie seems like pure bliss, especially that endless scene in the car. Then you get another great scene at the Greek lunch and in the end it’s all ruined by the night at the hotel. I don’t know why and I don’t want to be a male feminist, but it’s always the guy who’s at fault. Why is that? Anyways, Greece doesn’t get any sexier than it is in this movie. I’m really glad that even a couple of Americans, or rather the authors of this movie understood that Europe can be pretty amazing. (12/29/2013)

Anyone who has ever loved knows these fears. The fear of loneliness and at the same time fear of the weight of past decisions, of the power of chance and the relativity of time. Because romantic encounters are beautiful and spontaneous and magnificent, heart-rending reunions are unforgettable. But love years later is something that cannot be left to chance. Richard Linklater has resurfaced with a film that had countless opportunities to fail, to fail to live up to its predecessors, and to dilute the magic of what seemed definitive. And just like in Paris, I was blinded with tears by being able to pick up nine years later, in the same place. Some things in life may wither sooner or later and some things unfortunately intensify. And despite the fact that Before Midnight tears the heart in the most intimate and treacherous way, these two talkative travelers are once again at full strength. Their eighteen-year odyssey has no equal in the genre of romantic drama. And my sixth sense tells me that the year 2022 might bring us something good again. (07/19/2013)

Life has consequences, that's just the way it is and we can't do much about it. We see this clearly in this amazing couple, whom we have met for the third time. Jesse and Céline are married, which is a pleasant realization, but gradually the romance that was associated with their first and even second meeting has disappeared from their shared life. They are used to each other, they have their problems. That's just life. Nevertheless, it's still enjoyable to watch and listen to the two of them because this is the most beautiful aspect in all three movies. Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke simply fit together, whether they are in love or a little frustrated with life. They are such a perfect couple that one wonders why it's not the same in reality. Will we see a fourth installment in nine years? (12/04/2013)