Before-ology, Favorite #1
This was the poem the poet apparently made in an instant for money. I think the title of this one would’ve been “milk shake” (you’ll know why when you see it).
When I was younger and people ask me what my favorite movie was, I used to answer either Matilda (1996) or Casper (1995) because the two of them were my childhood, and I still do watch it until now. But since I, well I don’t know, “matured”? I started watching movies in different genres (and I prefer the old ones).
Well what I’m really going to to talk about is the ‘Before’ Trilogy (1995, 2004, 2013) and why I transitioned to become the hopeless romantic that I am.
I’ve recently decided to re-watch all three movies (and ditched my graduate class to do it) because I felt this need to find myself lost somewhere I’ve never been in, and be with someone I’ve never been with. (I have issues that I need to face)
The “Before” Trilogy is a film of realistic love story, with two characters who met in a train, decided to get together for a day, got to know each other and fell in love. But it’s not the typical love story where it had a happy ending or sad one that’ll make you sob. It’s something else, it will leave you craving for more, for answers and doubts. The first one was released in 1995, Before Sunrise.
Such a beautiful photo of Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Deply)
The film focuses on both characters and no one else. It’s amazing how they just spent the whole day walking around Vienna and did nothing but talk, argue, explore, fall in love, and say their goodbyes. I actually had to immerse myself in the movie and made sure no one was bothering me because the secret is to listen to both characters because they have such beautiful and different perspectives in life. Their lines were beautiful, here are some of my favorites...
And what follows is I think what most people’s favorite scene was. I love how honest the characters were before they said their goodbyes. How I wish I was that upfront with what I feel about someone.
Now I will not spoil everything about the film here, what I’ll do though is to share more of my favorite lines in the trilogy. What follows are scenes from the second film, Before Sunset (2004) where the two met coincidentally for the first time after 9 years, and just did the same thing they did - walk, and talk.. But, they are both in a committed relationship with other people.
As usual, their lines are heartbreaking because if not all, most of it are true. It’s an eye opening realistic observation of the world, and the people. I had to stop my tears from falling, especially from the scene below...
The last part of this trilogy was released on 2013, Before Midnight. I warn you, amongst the three, this is the most heartbreaking. It is about marriage, making it work, and defining true love. As much as I want to tell you what happened, I won’t. Everyone should be feeling the emotions of both Jesse and Celine in the third film. Although they weren’t all alone in this movie, there are new characters who added to the taste of real love, and what’s nice is that it was from all different walks of life. Some of my favorite scenes are as follows...
Throughout the trilogy, you will walk with the characters and you will see them grow, and yeah, literally, since Ethan and Julie were still the actors who portrayed the characters. I think it added to the flavor; I wouldn’t be too emotional if the actors changed from one movie to another. Imagine filming one film and continuing it after 9 years? And another 9? It’s amazing!
For one, I think this is why I am the hopeless romantic that I am today. I think I believe that we connect with only few people, and it’s difficult to connect with others once you did with one person. It’s sad, maybe.. but I don’t think it is. You are lucky if you are with the person you connected with. And if not, you still are, you’re lucky you did. :)
If I haven’t convinced you to watch this film, there’s nothing I can do much about it. But if I did, well I am happy. Let’s all be lost in Vienna, Paris, and Greece. They may not show the picturesque Europe, but I felt that I was there walking with them too.
Now go on, google the film. *wink