Before Sunrise | Blogmas Day 16

Happy Blogmas Day 16!

Like some of the others that I've reviewed this month, this movie was on my to-watch list for such a long time, but I never got around to actually watching it. So I added it into my Blogmas schedule so that I'd have no choice but to watch it!

Two strangers on a train to different destinations share a look, then a word, then a whole conversation. And suddenly they're exploring Vienna together, knowing that they only have one night before they have to go their separate ways. But is one night enough time to make a connection? And what happens when they have to leave each other?

The meeting scene between these two people happens so quickly that you're completely thrust into their lives. Coupled with the fact that their conversations become deep and important really quickly, it feels like you know them minutes after meeting them - which is replicated in the way that the feel about each other. You also feel completely comfortable with them right from the get-go, which again, is the way that the feel about each other.

We as the audience follow them to many enclosed spaces (such as the train, a listening booth, tram and ferris wheel). In a sense, we are stuck with them, we have no choice but to care about their words, to delve into their lives. The way that the camera stays attached to them the whole time no matter where they go, and is forced into these tight spaces alongside them, makes you as an audience member almost feel like you are on this journey with them.

There is a purity and innocence surrounding these two people. Watching them, you see the true essence of young love, where it completely consumes you. It is a love that consumes these two characters, and the audience who fall in love with both of them.
You see every single facet of their relationship, from first look, to last kiss. It is such a unique film in this sense, as it allows you to truly see two people fall in love.

This film, in its entirety, is a collection of moments and single conversations, connected only by the people who are having them. It's special in the sense that the lack of plot is what makes you want to know more. There's practically no conflict, and nothing that happens is particularly unexpected, and yet you feel completely drawn to these two people.

Overall, there's something painfully beautiful about a romance with a time limit, and this film utilises that to no end. It's a beautiful romantic movie that everyone should see, and it's also amazing to watch from a film-making standpoint. All-in-all, there's no reason to not see this movie!

8.5/10

It's 9 days until Christmas!

Come back tomorrow for Blogmas day 17!