Writer: Lorraine Tan

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast: NA
Plot: NA
Effects: NA
Cinematography: NA

Watch this if you liked: "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset"

This romantic drama is the sequel to "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset" set in charming Greece. This third instalment is about a couple trying to work things out between them like building a relationship with Jesse's son from his previous marriage, new job opportunities, relocation possibilities and struggles with insecurities. It is also particularly interesting to watch how a casual chat between couple could easily escalate into an unhappy and ugly mess.

Director Richard Linklater, together with stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have done a brilliant job with the script. It was so well-written and it came alive through Hawke and Delpy's characters. The chemistry between the both stars was impeccably on spot and natural, as if they are a couple in real life.

Delpy plays Celine, who is caught in a midlife crisis as she battles her insecurities as a mother and woman of modern society. Delpy played her role so brilliantly and the chat marathons with her onscreen husband were so well written. Delpy also managed to verbalise the many sorrows and struggles that women of today can identify themselves with.

Hawke's Jesse is always caught between frustration and attempts to reassure Celine about his unconditional love, which is rare in our modern society, and his efforts will prove touching to the audience.

Having received tons of praises for the last two films, this film did not disappoint. It covers a wide span of real life issues in an authentic way, and still manages to touch and warm the hearts of audiences. It shows us what is wrong with the world today, with divorce, adultery and broken marriages affecting each party, and even the innocent like the children.

Despite its minimalistic plot, it is a phenomenal film that would guarantee to fulfil anyone who is watching to experience an emotional rollercoaster together with the actors and real life issues of a couple.

Cinema Online, 22 July 2013