Review of Before Midnight (2013) by Abedalsalam S — 31 Oct 2014

In Greece, where Eastern mores conflate with Western thinking, they decide to spend their summer vacation. Greece is one of the best places for lovers of discourses of philosophical nature, and where people can engage and learn about multi-cultural differences. Their life appears as if it was picturesquely drawn. They have never anticipated that their relationship would last to the very present.

Twin daughters are sleeping in the back, whereas they embark on conversations about their existential life romantically, as they always do. Everyone writes one's life with one's own notions, expressing the moments one passes through. They listen carefully to each other, though frequently conflicts invade their discussions, but in a smooth manner. They wholeheartedly accept one another's individualistic nature, and appreciate the way their relationship is shaped.

They are old now, but not that old. Early forty partnerships are considered old for being vibrant. An authentic partnership is filled with real understanding, true passion, deep conversation, high appreciation and love. Perhaps, love is the most important factor here, but love, with all its powerful impetus, cannot stand alone, no matter how it's defined or perceived. It has to be embraced with enthusiastic components.

According to Nietzsche, love doesn't make relationships last, but friendship does. I will have to agree with Nietzsche on that, as love is inextricably subjective. Most love for their sake, and their partners reciprocate. Partners love what they love about their partners. They love what they perceive who their partners are. Accordingly, they are more of self-lovers, rather than being true lovers. Relationships survive that way, but not for a long time, and they're inclined to collapse.

Nevertheless, friendship is what people seek in others. Friendship is defined by bonding willingly. Its core meaning lies in the flowing of unstructured but meaningful words. It's about being satisfied with the other, accepting who they truly are and who they choose to be, without attempting to re-mold them the way we like. Thence, Nietzsche must be right about placing friendship in relationships of sustainable character.

With that said, conversations can go in an opposite direction. No matter how couples understand and respect one another, conversations go rhetorically very often. Jesse and Celine knew that, and they were not always in accordance. Things go wrong sometimes, and lead to breakup. However, resorting to empathy, breaking through other's feelings and tolerating them, what forfend foreseen unpleasant endings.

The film presents ideas on sexual intercourse during a gathering lunch, and treats the topic from different angles. Each states one's perspectives and preferences, based on their experiences and circumstances. They come to consensual conclusion that sexual delight for both partners is conducive to healthy relationships.

Richard Linklater, the director and the co-writer, ends his dramatically remarkable trilogy in a way that cannot be missed. Romanticism flows within the inescapable realities, even in most flawless scenarios. That is how the perfect match goes by their lives in "Before Midnight". Jesse and Celine would never end their deep stroll discussions unless they die together.