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Product Name: Before Midnight [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray] [2013]
UPC: 043396425538
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A Very Real and Profound
Concluding the story that began with Before Sunrise and was continued in Before Sunset, Richard Linklater's Before Midnight offers an uncharacteristically honest portrayal of a long running relationship. Ethan Hawke best summed up Linklater's trilogy by saying that Before Sunrise is a film about what might be, Before Sunset is a film about what could or should be, and Before Midnight as a film about what is. The storybook romance has long since passed between Celine (Deply) and Jesse (Hawke) leaving the trials and strains of day to day living to test the extraordinary romance built in the previous two films. Entirely dialog driven, Before Midnight's kicks off with Jesse bidding his son from his previous marriage farewell after staying the summer with him and Celine. A long bittersweet farewell kicks off a series of events that threatens to crush Jesse and Celine's marriage. The film brilliantly takes the innocent musings of Jesse and lets them slowly build into a very real and, at times, ugly conflict. Both characters are sympathetic in their own way, Jesse wants to ensure he is involved with his son and Celine wants to maintain the career that she has worked so hard to build. The film is entirely dialog driven so those who require action will find the musings of the characters tedious. Linklater's camera captures the beauty of Greece while his characters tick away like time bombs and this blu ray offers an impeccable image and sound. Extras are substantial in quality but quantity is limited. This is truly one of 2013's best and possibly most overlooked films.
Posted by BavarianGod
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Loved the first two films...
Don't start here. Go back and watch the first two films. And be prepared to stay focused. Put the kids to bed. Turn off the cell phone and the lights.
I fell in love with Richard Linklater's "Before Sunrise" way back in 1995 at a local Cineplex. The stroll in Vienna, and conversation contained within during that walk reminded me of part I loved of my college years. I didn't expect or see the 2004 follow-up, "Before Sunset," until it hit DVD. Again, I didn't anticipate the release of "Before Midnight." In both cases, the director and cast delivered fantastic films.
We can all debate how we'd like the story of Jesse and Céline to progress. These films are simply a day in the life, and this approach to filmmaking seems to set Linklater apart from so many of his modern-day peers. Check out his second film, "Dazed and Confused" for another example of "a day in the life."
He's taken it to the next level with his latest, "Boyhood," certainly a strong candidate for Oscar consideration this year, and another great film.
While I have no idea if there will be another entry to the "Midnight" series, I do hope so. I've enjoyed, and revisited these films multiple times in the past. I hope you will as well.
Posted by Sluggo
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Solid and satisfying finish to a great story
Solid finish to the Richard Linklater "Before" series. This is a very satisfying conclusion to the story of Jesse and Celine. In a series of movies, especially one like this that walks the well-trodden path of couples relationships, it's easy to become self-indulgent and campy. This trilogy manages to tell a very believable and touching story of exploration and trust, hope and disappointment and the difficulty of just trying to be with someone. Before Midnight finishes this story in a way that brings satisfying closure without stroking it with an unrealistic Disney ending. Very much enjoyed the ride.
