Movie Reviews
Before Trilogy (Sunrise, Sunset, Midnight), Richard Linklater
The Before Trilogy, directed by Richard Linklater, is a series of moments displaying the disjointed love story of two young travelers, Celine (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke). Linklater, being a master of realism and the human experience, shows the evolution of the two through their interactions at three periods of their lives. Before Sunrise follows the couple through their first meeting on a train to Vienna, and the evening they spend together there before they have to part in the morning. Before Sunset meets Celine and Jesse nine years later in Paris, finding them both in different phases of their lives, yet brought back together by coincidence and reviving the connection they shared that one night so long ago. Before Midnight exposes the couple’s married life, following them through a night spent together in Greece, where they reminisce upon their story—one filled with both happiness and struggle—and grow closer as a pair. These three films show the individual and mutual growth of Celine and Jesse, exposing both the beauty and difficulty of falling in love, making big decisions and sharing a life. Linklater does a fantastic job of creating and evolving authentic individuals, and if you’re looking for an honest romance film, these are for you.
Wild at Heart, David Lynch
For fans of the gritty and more unconventional romantic film, David Lynch’s Wild at Heart may be your thing. This film is weird and wild and somewhat upsetting, but a lot of fun overall. Sailor Ripley (Nicholas Cage) and Lula Fortune (Laura Dern) are reunited after Sailor’s time in jail. Lula’s mother, determined to keep them apart, hires a hitman for Sailor. The two are on the run throughout the film, in order to stay together and, in Sailor’s case, in order to stay alive. These travels come with challenges and upsets, yet the two are ultimately bound by their mutual admiration for each other. David Lynch creates two very distinct and intriguing characters throughout this film, ones that you can only root for in their pursuit of freedom and love. However, this is a Lynch film, so be prepared for the unorthodox and supernatural woven within the adventurous love story. Overall, this story is a testament to those truly in love, who are willing to fight for each other despite the forces against them.
Moonrise Kingdom, Wes Anderson
Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom follows two misunderstood 12-year-olds in their plan to run away together. Suzy (Kara Hayward), a quirky young girl labeled “difficult” by her parents, meets Sam (Jared Gilman), an orphaned Khaki Scout, backstage at a play. The two exchange addresses and become pen pals, learning more about each other’s quirks and peculiarities, ultimately deciding that they are better off together than with all of those who don’t understand them. This film is filled to the brim with Wes Anderson charm, and with beautiful cinematography, witty comic relief and a lovely score, it effectively captures the innocent yet devoted love Suzy and Sam share. The star-studded cast makes for consistently entertaining performances, and more peculiar yet essential characters. Those in the mood for a witty, adventurous, and innocent love story should definitely check out Moonrise Kingdom.
