Film Review: Before Midnight (15), (U.S.A. 2013) (Director: Richard Linklater), Saturday 22.06.2013 18:15, The Cameo Cinema, Screen One, Edinburgh

This is the third part of a trilogy, the first two parts being 'Before Sunrise' (1995) & 'Before Sunset' (2004). The first of these I saw on video and the second on DVD, once they were released for rental. I greatly enjoyed both of these previous parts on first viewing. Both of the previous installments, as with this most recent slice, presents a refreshing approach to 'romance' where the lead characters take time to have meandering conversations that take in all manner of randomness, both appear intelligent and believable & there is a complete absence of slush.

With this part, as with the second, the lead actors (Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy) wrote the script along with the director and this may well have contributed to the 'real' quality of what is on screen. The films each time catch up with where the characters are 'now', and the relationship as presented has an evolution which intrigues and is quite distinct. This chapter contains more discord and complexity than the first two films, though this in itself is entirely appropriate as that in itself is the reality of the majority of romantic relationships after years of familiarity between two passionate and intelligent people.

With this being the third part of a trilogy, it is hard to consider the film by itself. I think the film could well be enjoyable without having seen the previous two parts. Though I also feel the film gives a lot more if the viewer knows the back story (as it were). I feel it is difficult to communicate quite how good these films are as all of the best parts are just to two leads chatting, how do you make that sound exciting? I am unable to find fault with any of the three films and would happily recommend all three parts, though obviously also recommend watching these in order.

Rating: 10/10.