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The Rewatchables · February 4, 2025

Before Sunset

host Bill Simmons host Chris Ryan host Sean Fennessey host Mallory Rubin

What aged best: Chemistry
Weakest link: Insufficient effort to reconnect
What aged worst: Too few cigarette puffs

All 38 categories

Roger Ebert
Just one Oscar Julie Delpy
“That Guy” Award Bookstore manager

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 1:08:49

Betrayed partners and son

Bill Simmons: Reuniting betrays Jesse’s wife and Celine’s war-photographer boyfriend; viewing the story from the wife’s perspective would change its romantic appeal.

Mallory Rubin: The movie makes viewers complicit in rooting for adultery while Jesse’s son bears the consequences; the third film is said to address this damage.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson · 1:38:17

Memories without the past

Bill Simmons: Memories are wonderful when you do not have to deal with the past is one lesson.

The film

Before Sunset (2004)

Directed by Richard Linklater · Romance

80 minutes

IMDb Letterboxd Find on JustWatch Rotten Tomatoes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Ethan Hawke Jesse

Julie Delpy Celine

Vernon Dobtcheff

Louise Lemoine Torres

Rodolphe Pauly

Mariane Plasteig

Diabolo

Albert Delpy

Marie Pillet

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

28:28

Roger Ebert's review

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:28:28Read transcript

Ebert awarded three and a half stars, praising dialogue and preferring this older, higher-stakes reunion to the original. — Bill Simmons
Ebert imagined revisiting Jesse and Celine every decade as an ongoing life project, compared with the Seven Up series. — Bill Simmons

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30:41

Perfect Age to See This Movie

After marriage; early thirties or settled partnership; meaningful earlier viewing also defended

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:30:41Read transcript

After marriage is the first choice, with agreement; early thirties and being settled with a partner provide the relevant regrets and life experience.
A first viewing just after college graduation with a longtime partner was deeply meaningful and served as a cautionary tale; later viewings bring changed perspectives. — Sean Fennessey

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34:56

Most Rewatchable Scene

Car ride (two choices); ending (one choice); waltz (one choice)

In the discussion (22)

Approx. transcript time · 00:34:56Read transcript

Jesse’s bookstore press conference is enjoyed despite its implausibility and slightly heightened performance, including the unusually interested reporter. — Bill Simmons
Flashbacks to the earlier faces cut to Celine now, turning the first film’s location montage into a montage of who they were. — Bill Simmons
Jesse’s wedding ring initially leaves open whether Celine is his wife; his melting reaction combines reunion joy with the realization that they were separated. — Mallory Rubin
The awkward walk reveals that Jesse did return to Vienna; his joking account of a ruined life and her apology over her grandmother create an emotional roller coaster. — Mallory Rubin
The supposed Gretchen composite and Celine’s worry about seeming normal are funny examples of their nervous defenses. — Bill Simmons
The cafe exchange about looking thinner, his facial line and their physical changes is a highlight; the cigarettes finally appear. — Bill Simmons
Celine pretending not to remember sex, the remembered night outweighing whole years and their changed sexual outlook are admired. — Bill Simmons
Jesse’s lottery-winner theory sounds like a practiced explanation for disappointment rather than detached philosophy. — Bill Simmons
The Paris boat ride is considered nearly impossible to spoil, though an even stronger final scene is expected to win. — Bill Simmons
On the boat, Jesse admits that writing the book was an attempt to find Celine and ask why she never returned. — Bill Simmons
The line about discovering that real connections happen only a few times becomes more painful with age.
The possibility that Jesse saw Celine near his wedding, when they unknowingly lived nearby in New York, is devastating. — Bill Simmons
Celine’s car confession says the book revived lost romantic hope and that she gave away part of herself during their night together. — Bill Simmons
The angry-activist joke punctures the pain without undoing the confession. — Bill Simmons
Jesse’s loveless-marriage account is painful because he endures it to avoid missing time with his son, despite a home without joy or laughter. — Bill Simmons
The car scene is favored for expressing profoundly intimate feelings without contemporary therapy jargon or self-conscious signaling. — Sean Fennessey
The apartment sequence, waltz, Nina Simone and missed-plane ending receive one explicit final choice as an extraordinary last fifteen minutes. — Bill Simmons
Celine’s embarrassment while singing the song to its subject makes the waltz a natural continuation of the car’s emotional unburdening. — Mallory Rubin
One respondent chooses the car ride but calls Jesse’s widened eyes when his name enters the song the best individual moment.
Another chooses the limo, especially Celine reaching toward him without touching; the timing within the apparently unbroken shot is admired. — Bill Simmons
Jesse’s repeated account of Celine passing by on a train in his dream is unforgettable and echoes his last glimpse of her years earlier. — Sean Fennessey
The final respondent chooses the waltz; the whole stretch from boat or limo onward is also proposed as an irresistible extended selection. — Bill Simmons

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52:52

The most 2004 thing

Freedom Fries; globalism; no Facebook; clipped book review

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 00:52:52Read transcript

Freedom Fries and Celine’s globalism opinions mark 2004. — Bill Simmons
The absence of Facebook helps explain why they could not reconnect, though existing 2004 technology raises doubts. — Bill Simmons
Clipping and displaying newspaper or magazine articles is another period marker. — Bill Simmons

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53:48

What’s Aged the Best?

Chemistry; real time; restraint; Sunrise callbacks; mature small talk; New York near-miss; intimate details; bookstores

In the discussion (11)

Approx. transcript time · 00:53:48Read transcript

The leads’ chemistry and incorporation of personal experiences are praised alongside Linklater’s sustained interest in time. — Mallory Rubin
Real-time pacing, nine-year gaps and repeated time-travel imagery connect the trilogy with Boyhood and Merrily We Roll Along. — Mallory Rubin
Not kissing creates extraordinary restraint: the goodbye hug and Nina Simone dance convey longing across physical distance. — Mallory Rubin
Sunrise callbacks include the cemetery, mental photographs and Celine borrowing Jesse’s thirteen-year-old perspective. — Bill Simmons
The Notre Dame conversation nearly anticipates the cathedral’s later fire, a sad retrospective coincidence. — Bill Simmons
Serious work and world-affairs small talk captures early-thirties defenses against the conversation they actually need. — Bill Simmons
Unknowingly sharing New York with someone important is a believable big-city experience. — Bill Simmons
Being alone is distinguished from loneliness with a lover, prompting a Neil McCauley comparison. — Bill Simmons
Celine’s wind-blown blouse and the tiny details of skin, ankles, facial lines and beard color reveal intimate attraction. — Bill Simmons
The promise to endure unhappiness for every minute with a child, the middle-finger trick and the cat’s performance are appreciated. — Bill Simmons
Bookstores and international book tours have become less prominent, though the scale of this particular tour is disputed. — Bill Simmons

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58:43

Picking Nits

Minor bestseller’s tour; revealing novel idea; compressed walk; red-shirt extra

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 00:58:43Read transcript

A minor bestseller seems unlikely to justify ten European cities in twelve days and more reporters than fans; possible French popularity is a counterargument. — Bill Simmons
Revealing a novel idea in detail to strangers risks someone stealing it and seems contrary to how an author would protect a new project. — Bill Simmons
The supposed short walk to the cafe actually takes roughly forty-five minutes. — Bill Simmons
A red-shirted extra’s interrupted walk across changed camera angles is a continuity error. — Bill Simmons

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59:48

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Sunlit Celine on the boat; closing dance and fade; courtyard meal

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 00:59:48Read transcript

On the boat, sunlight halos Celine’s hair while Jesse faces the camera and watches her; controlled shooting time and a fifteen-day schedule are admired. — Bill Simmons
The closing dance and fade-out make a strong final-shot choice. — Sean Fennessey
The brief courtyard meal reveals an entire way of life; Delpy’s real parents reportedly appear while the camera unusually leaves the leads. — Sean Fennessey

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1:01:00

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Nina Simone song

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:01:00Read transcript

The Nina Simone song is the clear choice; substituting Drop It Like It’s Hot is a comic 2004 alternative. — Bill Simmons

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1:01:53

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

Celine’s apartment complex

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:01:53Read transcript

Celine’s apartment complex is the scene-stealing location. — Bill Simmons

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1:02:07

Mallory Rubin Award: Did This Movie Need a Better Sex Scene?

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:02:07Read transcript

No better sex scene is needed: withholding consummation leaves viewers sharing the characters’ desperate desire.

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1:03:40

The Sean Penn “I Brought My Own Pack” Award for Excellence in On-Screen Smoking

Julie Delpy

Flex pick · Chris Ryan

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:03:40Read transcript

Julie Delpy wins the explicit Chris Ryan flex for smoking at the cafe, though more actual puffs are desired. — Bill Simmons
Jesse taking a drag, getting his own cigarette and lighting it from hers is admired as authentic smoker behavior. — Bill Simmons

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1:04:45

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Insufficient effort to reconnect

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:04:45Read transcript

Both should have made more effort to reconnect, especially given Celine’s years in New York and available 2004 technology; not knowing Jesse’s surname is debated. — Bill Simmons

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1:05:37

What’s Aged the Worst?

Too few cigarette puffs; second-novel idea disputed

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:05:37Read transcript

Delpy taking too few puffs is the initial complaint. — Bill Simmons
Jesse’s second-novel idea about a pop song is criticized as a weak pitch, with immediate dissent. — Bill Simmons

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1:06:05

Dracula the Musical Award for Best Imitation of Real Art

A Waltz for a Night; This Time cover; Jesse’s press answers (three-way tie)

Flex pick · Sean Fennessey

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:06:05Read transcript

An explicit flex declares a three-way tie: Celine’s A Waltz for a Night, the This Time book cover and Jesse’s interview answers. — Sean Fennessey
The novel cover looks convincingly 2004, while supposed reluctance gives way to a complete next-book pitch; Hawke makes even its flawed premise enticing. — Sean Fennessey

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1:08:49

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Betrayed partners and son; Celine’s cat care; electrifying car scene

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:08:49Read transcript

Reuniting betrays Jesse’s wife and Celine’s war-photographer boyfriend; viewing the story from the wife’s perspective would change its romantic appeal. — Bill Simmons
The movie makes viewers complicit in rooting for adultery while Jesse’s son bears the consequences; the third film is said to address this damage. — Mallory Rubin
Celine is called a terrible cat parent for leaving Che outside in hot Paris; the defense is that cats naturally hunt and manage outdoors. — Mallory Rubin
The car scene is among the most electrifying scenes of the 2000 s, compared with The Dark Knight’s truck flip and Collateral’s street shooting rather than a firm number-one ranking. — Sean Fennessey

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1:12:51

“OK, Motherfucker” Award for When the Movie Goes Up a Notch

Car ride

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:12:51Read transcript

The car scene receives explicit agreement as the point where the movie goes up a notch. — Sean Fennessey

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1:13:16

Casting What-Ifs

No choices

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:13:16Read transcript

No casting what-ifs are offered. — Bill Simmons

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1:13:16

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Bookstore manager

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:13:16Read transcript

After an initial no-candidate answer, the bookstore manager is proposed as a stealth That Guy. — Bill Simmons

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1:13:16

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Bookstore manager; press interviewer; limo driver

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:13:16Read transcript

The bookstore manager is the main choice; the press interviewer and limo driver are also nominated. — Bill Simmons
The driver does little beyond nodding and could have been developed further.

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1:14:00

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Length of stay; screenplay contributions; Philippe; song choices; BookTok; Paris stop; finding the book; condoms

In the discussion (10)

Approx. transcript time · 01:14:00Read transcript

Whether Philippe understands Jesse and gets paid regardless of reaching the airport is unclear; an assassination consequence and bedroom interruption are invented jokes. — Bill Simmons
How long Jesse stays is unresolved: a day or two, many days of sex under a book-tour excuse, or the start of a longer illicit affair are competing possibilities.
Whether Hawke wrote the lines flattering Jesse’s sexual impact is raised jokingly, without an answer.
Philippe’s understanding, patience, duty to get Jesse to the airport and refusal to stop when Celine requests it remain open questions. — Bill Simmons
The cat song’s content is unknown; Celine may have offered deliberately weak alternatives so Jesse would select the waltz, or planned to sing it regardless.
Jesse’s hypothetical success on BookTok is disputed, with age and possible creepiness opposed to his fit for romance readers.
Whether Jesse insisted on Paris as the final tour stop is debated; putting Paris first might have let Celine join the rest of the tour.
Celine probably would not have sought him out without the Paris appearance, despite already reading the book; others wonder if she secretly tracked him more closely.
Discovering the book, contacting the publisher and knowing Jesse’s surname remain unresolved routes to reconnecting. — Bill Simmons
The condom question is corrected by Jesse remembering the brand in the film; subsequent wallet and cheap-vending-machine theories are speculation.

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1:14:09

Recasting Couch

New York; Boston briefly suggested

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:14:09Read transcript

Boston is briefly suggested, but a New York reunion—possibly on Jesse’s wedding day—is more enticing. — Bill Simmons
New York would establish the couple together in America and enrich the later choice of continent, though Paris suits her homecoming. — Mallory Rubin

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1:14:46

The Edie Falco in Cop Land Award for the Character Made Hotter by Smoking

Celine, already exceptionally attractive

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:14:46Read transcript

Celine is nominated for becoming more attractive when smoking, with the qualification that she was already exceptionally attractive. — Bill Simmons

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1:15:29

Half-Assed Internet Research

Four-location plan; Paris geography; heat; Delpy’s parents; album date; band shirt; last-minute ending revisions

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:15:29Read transcript

A proposed larger-budget version with four locations reportedly lacked financing; scaling back is considered fortunate. — Bill Simmons
Paris locations include Shakespeare and Company, the cafe and elevated park; the cafe is reportedly a forty-five-minute walk from the bookstore, revealing compressed geography. — Bill Simmons
Filming reportedly occurred in extreme summer heat, and the courtyard couple were Delpy’s parents. — Bill Simmons
A review of Jesse’s book is visible in Celine’s apartment; the Nina Simone recording date is reported as June 16,1968. — Bill Simmons
The passing jogger wears a Horace Pinker band shirt; the apartment ending was reportedly still being written at 3 a.m. the night before filming. — Bill Simmons

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1:16:50

Apex Mountain

Julie Delpy; movie couples; romantic sequels (qualified); Nina Simone’s posthumous peak (qualified)

In the discussion (8)

Approx. transcript time · 01:16:50Read transcript

Delpy receives an affirmative answer because of the Academy Award nomination and beloved film; Hawke’s earlier discussion is not settled anew. — Bill Simmons
Paris and Paris movies are rejected, with Ratatouille, Breathless, An American in Paris and other alternatives.
Romantic sequels receive tentative support as a small field. — Bill Simmons
Film endings spark a large unresolved comparison with Casablanca, There Will Be Blood, The Godfather, RockyII and The Shawshank Redemption. — Bill Simmons
Movies set in one day is a competitive field; this belongs on the list without a firm apex selection.
Nina Simone’s lifetime apex is rejected, but a posthumous apex through the film’s longevity receives support. — Bill Simmons
Paris bookstores and boat rides are proposed; the couple receives affirmative support among movie romances, with the whole trilogy strengthening the case. — Bill Simmons
Alternatives for great movie couples include Alvy and Annie, When Harry Met Sally, Casablanca and An Affair to Remember; the Jackie Brown pairing is a joke. — Bill Simmons

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1:21:04

Cruise or Hanks?

Cruise, after objection to recasting

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:21:04Read transcript

Cruise is chosen after objection to replacing either lead at all; impressions imagine him delivering Jesse’s speeches.

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1:21:50

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Spielberg; Scorsese dissent

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:21:50Read transcript

Spielberg is preferred by one response, while Scorsese receives a competing choice and is considered especially suited to the third film. — Bill Simmons

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1:22:08

What role would Philip Seymour Hoffman play?

Philippe, the limo driver

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:22:08Read transcript

Philippe the limo driver is the choice, with an imagined line questioning Jesse’s cheating. — Bill Simmons

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1:22:27

Pick a Jennifer

Jennifer Connelly with a French accent (tentative)

The panel proposes a new category here.

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:22:27Read transcript

A mailbag proposal asks which Jennifer could replace the female lead, listing Aniston, Lawrence, Lopez, Connelly, Garner and Coolidge. — Bill Simmons
The eligible list expands to Love Hewitt, Jason Leigh and Jones; Jenna Ortega is rejected as not a Jennifer, with a Flowers joke. — Bill Simmons
Jennifer Connelly with a French accent becomes the tentative choice after insisting Celine must be French. — Bill Simmons

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1:23:57

The Dan Campbell Scale for “Holy Shit, Are They Really Going for It Right Now?”

The waltz

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:23:57Read transcript

Celine beginning the waltz is the moment of astonishment that the filmmakers are really attempting it. — Bill Simmons

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1:24:08

Is There a Porn Parody of This Movie?

Existence unknown; Before Cumset and Before Cumshot proposed

Flex pick · Mallory Rubin

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:24:08Read transcript

The Mallory Rubin flex does not establish an existing parody; Before Cumset and Before Cumshot are proposed, with Before Cumrise recalled for the earlier film. — Mallory Rubin

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1:26:20

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

Existing trilogy

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:26:20Read transcript

The existing trilogy answers the sequel question. — Bill Simmons

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1:26:34

Is This Movie Better With…?

Wayne Jenkins; Tony Romo; Cris Collinsworth

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:26:34Read transcript

Wayne Jenkins praises Jesse’s autofiction before warning about abandoning his family and paying alimony. — Bill Simmons
Tony Romo narrates the missed flight, driver’s commission and airport-security delay. — Bill Simmons
Cris Collinsworth praises Celine nailing the waltz. — Bill Simmons

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1:27:45

Just One Oscar

Julie Delpy

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:27:45Read transcript

Delpy is the choice; an imagined fair distribution would give Linklater Sunrise, Delpy Sunset and Hawke Midnight. — Bill Simmons

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1:37:13

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Signed This Time; first-film condom joke

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:37:13Read transcript

Jesse’s cheap condom from the first film is a joking choice. — Bill Simmons
A signed copy of This Time receives two preferences. — Bill Simmons

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1:38:17

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Memories without the past; sometimes miss the plane

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:38:17Read transcript

Memories are wonderful when you do not have to deal with the past is one lesson. — Bill Simmons
Sometimes you have to miss that plane receives two preferences. — Bill Simmons

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1:38:32

Best Double Feature

Before Sunrise

Before Sunrise

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:38:32Read transcript

Before Sunrise is the selected pairing; Before Midnight is mentioned as an alternative question and rejected in favor of the first film. — Bill Simmons

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1:38:32

Who Won the Movie?

Julie Delpy; shared Hawke–Delpy win proposed

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:38:32Read transcript

Whether this film belongs more to Delpy or Hawke is debated through whose perspective frames the other. — Bill Simmons
Delpy receives an explicit choice because the ending depends on the waltz working. — Sean Fennessey
The counterargument credits Hawke’s listening reaction equally and concludes that both should share the win.

Podcast choices

Speaker not identified: Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy
Sean Fennessey: Julie Delpy

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1:39:21

Producer review

Both films loved; relationship differences praised; characters seem older than modern thirtysomethings

In the discussion (7)

Approx. transcript time · 01:39:21Read transcript

The invited producer had watched both films for the first time on a plane, a setting the others consider appropriate. — Bill Simmons
The first film is mesmerizing, especially its early-twenties dialogue and a compatible couple who do not agree on everything.
The optimistic ending is loved, though Jesse’s initial smugness makes Celine’s attraction puzzling; their differences gradually soften them.
Celine must be French; the Jennifer Connelly recast would not work for this viewer.
Fear that a delayed sequel would spoil the original gives way to delight at the reversed perspectives and gradual renewed connection.
Both films are called perfect, but these characters feel unusually weathered at 32 compared with contemporary thirty-year-olds who reach family milestones later.
The extra eighty minutes are suspenseful and completely captivating; the reviewer declines to watch the third film yet.

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More from the conversation

Four-person discussion follows the Before Sunrise episode; the trailer establishes the nine-year reunion.

Approx. transcript time · 00:01:58Read transcript

A second chance with the one who got away is the defining theme, joining romantic possibility with second-guessing major life choices.

Approx. transcript time · 00:04:29Read transcript

The real nine-year gap connects viewers simultaneously to the characters, actors and their own earlier selves; the ending offers extraordinary wish fulfillment.

Approx. transcript time · 00:06:09Read transcript

Anticipation that the sequel might disappoint gave way to exhilaration, with the film prompting extended conversations about one’s own life and relationship.

Approx. transcript time · 00:07:41Read transcript

Before Midnight is emotionally harsher and a future episode remains uncertain; joking divorce-theme ideas are not current episode tags.

Approx. transcript time · 00:09:22Read transcript

Almost no supporting characters and one continuous conversation make the sequel resemble a one-act play; nervous barriers dissolve by the car and apartment sequences.

Approx. transcript time · 00:10:27Read transcript

The reunion mirrors the audience’s own longing for the first film, while political conversation delays the painful question of why the promised meeting failed.

Approx. transcript time · 00:11:38Read transcript

Linklater’s reported description contrasts nighttime Vienna’s freedom with daytime Paris, appointments and obligations; the resulting real-time documentary effect feels effortless despite difficult long takes.

Approx. transcript time · 00:12:45Read transcript

The film also explores changes from one’s twenties to thirties and pieces of oneself lost through earlier relationships.

Approx. transcript time · 00:13:50Read transcript

Both characters move between romanticism and cynicism; Celine prefers solitude to loneliness with a partner, while Jesse’s presence revives feelings she thought lost.

Approx. transcript time · 00:15:12Read transcript

Delpy is praised as a distinctive character who shares Jesse’s humor, yearning and doubt; the withheld touches in the car echo the first film’s listening-booth glances.

Approx. transcript time · 00:16:13Read transcript

Before Midnight is proposed as the trilogy’s best, with the qualification that whichever installment is currently playing becomes the favorite.

Approx. transcript time · 00:18:10Read transcript

Celine’s increasing hurt and Jesse’s increasing hope reach an equilibrium in this middle film; their earlier encounter transformed both of them.

Approx. transcript time · 00:18:42Read transcript

Before Sunset is ranked second among direct sequels behind The Godfather Part II; other contenders include Terminator 2, Aliens, Maverick and The Dark Knight.

Approx. transcript time · 00:21:05Read transcript

The actors’ collaboration and personal lives make the sequel an artistic continuation rather than a franchise obligation; Waking Life already reunited the characters.

Approx. transcript time · 00:21:50Read transcript

Ray Nicolette’s crossover between Jackie Brown and Out of Sight resolves a previous episode’s memory lapse; the Up documentaries and The Trip films are comparisons for continuing smaller stories.

Approx. transcript time · 00:22:56Read transcript

The lack of Picture, directing and acting Oscar nominations is criticized, with a larger nominee field and the major studios’ campaigns offered as explanations.

Approx. transcript time · 00:25:11Read transcript

Sunset’s more complicated, cigarette-smoking Celine is considered more attractive than her younger self.

Approx. transcript time · 00:26:45Read transcript

The adapted screenplay nomination faced Sideways while Eternal Sunshine led original screenplays; 2004 is reassessed as unusually strong.

Approx. transcript time · 00:27:25Read transcript

Sunrise’s degree of difficulty came from inventing the premise; Sunset is the favorite of two responses, while another favors whichever film is currently playing.

Approx. transcript time · 00:29:10Read transcript

The unusually short runtime leaves viewers wanting more and makes them race against the clock alongside the characters.

Approx. transcript time · 00:30:06Read transcript

The reunion is an active choice: the book and bookstore appearance are deliberate attempts to find each other.

Approx. transcript time · 00:30:57Read transcript

The film is debated as both a cautionary relationship tale and an optimistic assurance that happiness remains possible; concern for Jesse’s son complicates the wish fulfillment.

Approx. transcript time · 00:32:33Read transcript

Small contingencies—the grandmother’s death, bookstore date, and arguing train couple—could have changed the entire relationship.

Approx. transcript time · 00:34:39Read transcript

Their wandering cafes, gardens and boat ride form an ideal Paris day without conventional sightseeing, though more food would be welcome.

Approx. transcript time · 00:40:25Read transcript

Jesse’s anecdotes and strong opinions would make him an entertaining podcaster.

Approx. transcript time · 00:40:51Read transcript

The rarity of meaningful connection also applies beyond romance; social circles shrink as people age and become more guarded.

Approx. transcript time · 00:42:22Read transcript

The actors’ personal lives are interpreted as informing the car conversation: Hawke’s divorce and Delpy’s tension between public desirability and her broader creative ambitions.

Approx. transcript time · 00:47:01Read transcript

Jesse’s surname and whether the pair exchanged full names are debated while questioning why contemporary email and search were insufficient.

Approx. transcript time · 00:53:35Read transcript

Jesse’s speculative pitches are a recurring character trait, connecting the pop-song novel with his earlier all-day television idea and later book talk.

Approx. transcript time · 01:07:06Read transcript

Jesse’s left-leaning skepticism prompts invented jokes about post 9/11 politics and a Rumsfeld dedication; these are not film facts.

Approx. transcript time · 01:25:19Read transcript

A possible breakup immediately after Paris competes with an ongoing affair interpretation, while jokes imagine the son adapting to a new stepmother.

Approx. transcript time · 01:28:55Read transcript

The title of Jesse’s novel is debated: This Time seems bland, but calling it Before Sunrise might be too self-referential; opinion remains split.

Approx. transcript time · 01:37:27Read transcript

Whether to watch Before Midnight immediately is debated: waiting nine years preserves the characters’ pacing, but confronting their age and marital problems could be painful or comforting.

Approx. transcript time · 01:43:46Read transcript

The short ending leaves viewers desperate for more; a much longer sequel might feel indulgent and allow more doubt about the reunion.

Approx. transcript time · 01:45:25Read transcript

The next episode is explicitly not Before Midnight.

Approx. transcript time · 01:45:54Read transcript