Before Sunset (2004)

Directed by: Richard Linklater

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) meet in Paris nine years after their first (and last) encounter and spend time catching up and dealing with their unrequited feelings.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): In the opening shot we see a lovely tabby cat in a courtyard.

Before Sunset - tabby cat in courtyard

We learn near the end of the film that this is Celine’s cat as Jesse walks her to her apartment. The cat is in the courtyard. Celine has mentioned her cat a few times in the film, even saying she has written a song about him.

Before Sunset - tabby cat in courtyard ahead of Celine Julie Delpy and Jesse Ethan Hawke

Celine cooes over her kitty and explains that she lets him out every morning into the courtyard where he experiences everything as if it is brand new.

Before Sunset - tabby cat held by Celine Julie Delpy with Jesse Ethan Hawke

Jesse asks the cat’s name and Celine answers “Che.” Jesse nods knowingly, assuming it refers to Che Guevara (he is always accusing Celine of being a communist) but she explains Che means “hey” in Argentina.

Before Sunset - tabby cat held by Celine Julie Delpy with Jesse Ethan Hawke

When they approach her apartment some people are having a barbecue. A woman stops to talk to Celine, likely asking if they will be joining them.

Before Sunset - tabby cat held by Celine Julie Delpy with Jesse Ethan Hawke and neighbor

Jesse asks if he can come up to Celine’s apartment and hear one of her songs.

Before Sunset - tabby cat held by Celine Julie Delpy with Jesse Ethan Hawke

As they walk up the stairs in the old building, Celine holds and pets Che while she and Jesse steal glances at each other.

Before Sunset - tabby cat held by Celine Julie Delpy with Jesse Ethan Hawke walking up stairs
Before Sunset - tabby cat held by Celine Julie Delpy with Jesse Ethan Hawke walking up stairs animated gif

Celine asks Jesse to hold Che as she opens the door to her apartment.

Before Sunset - tabby cat handed by Celine Julie Delpy to Jesse Ethan Hawke
Before Sunset - tabby cat held by Jesse Ethan Hawke as Celine Julie Delpy opens door

Once inside, Jesse lets Che jump down to the floor where he walks behind a counter and isn’t seen again.

Before Sunset - tabby cat set on floor by Jesse Ethan Hawke with Celine Julie Delpy

The cat handler on the film was Laurent Flaesch.

Before Sunset - tabby cat held by Celine Julie Delpy with Jesse Ethan Hawke walking up stairs

Final Mewsings: Cats can help us to forget lost loves (at least for a little while).

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