Before sunrise, before sunset

This is about two films that I saw a couple of months ago. The first is called Before Sunrise and it's sequel, Before Sunset. I watched both, transfixed, unable to get a glass of water or answer the phone. There were no stunning action sequences, no steamy dalliance, no special effects spectacle, not even a catchy soundtrack. Just two people deep in conversation. An unusual premise...of course, it helps that the films seem to be set in a time before text messaging, email and global roaming cellphones!

If you haven't seen either, watch them. At least watch the second one (though it is a sequel, it stands by itself quite well). And then try to recall the last long (over one hour!) meaningful conversation you had with someone you cared for. That's what I was doing quite involuntarily, and it took me a while to get there...but then I was preoccupied, watching the movie again...!

Also tried to think of other actors and actresses who could have done an equally beautiful job (any suggestions?) - and I didn't have too many possibilities - in the second film, Julie Delpy is that elusive combination of practical and ethereal, idealistic yet pessimistic. And Ethan Hawke is up to the task too, but I think he may have needed a new toothbrush.