I am a relative newcomer to the world of Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. Even though the first film, released in 1995, has built up a large cult following since it's release, I had to admit that until fairly recently, I was rather oblivious to it all. However, a number of people kept advising that I see it, and eventually I did, and was completely blown away. The simple tale of characters falling in love over the course of one night had so much more depth than I possibly could have imagined. Once I had seen the first, I was going to have to see the second, even though I have never encountered a sequel that managed to live up to the first film. However, one thirty mile trip into London to see it later, and I'm happy to say that this is the first sequel I've ever seen that manages to be equal the first film in every way, and in some regards, becomes the better film.

Before Sunrise ended with Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) promising to meet each other again in Vienna six months after their encounter. This has led to speculation for years by fans as to whether or not this did happen. Before Sunset will answer all of these questions, but not before teasing you a little first. This film opens at a book signing, where Jesse has now become a minor novelist after writing a novel that is essentially an account of his encounter with Celine nine years ago. The book also leaves the reader guessing, and the audience at the signing desperately want to know whether or not they did meet afterwards. Jesse is inevitably cagey on the subject, simply replying with "that depends on whether you're a romantic or a cynic". This attitude will be a recurring theme through the rest of the film.

Jesse and Celine have changed a lot in the intervening period. Jesse is more confident and direct, Celine has been wounded by that encounter nine years ago and has never fully recovered. She appears to have stumbled through life, desperately wanting that second chance with Jesse. Jesse, despite being married with a child, has apparently done the same. The cynical viewer will look at this and possibly deem both characters as fools. The romantic will be desperately wanting them to admit that they want each other and to take that chance.

It is interesting to note that Hawke and Delpy have also grown, becoming much more confident in their acting. That they co-wrote the screenplay with director Richard Linklater can be seen. Both characters have elements from the lives of themselves, and this makes it easier for them to both put across a natural performance. Both of them are seemingly so natural and so spontaneous in their dialog that some may argue that they are hardly acting. Conversely, I'd argue that for a character to come across so real and naturally is the testament of truly great acting.