What became of the people we used to be...

Well, they kept it very quiet, but I'm beyond pleased to learn there will be a third chapter in the story of Celine and Jessie, the strangers who met on a train and fell in love over the course of 24 hours in Vienna. I loved Before Sunrise, and its follow-up set in Paris, Before Sunset, its intriguing final scenes in Celine's bohemian apartment leaving a giant 'What now for these two?' hanging Graduate-like over the closing credits. So now (well, later this year), we find out.

In much the same way I look forward to regular catch ups with the lives of Seven Up's Neil, Bruce, et al, these films have managed to resonate deeply. Perhaps its due to being of a broadly similar age as the protagonists; more importantly, it's the evident chemistry between Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, as they linger over conversations veering from pretentious to tender, often over the course of a (long) single take. That takes a special partnership.

In a perfect world Delpy, Hawke and director Richard Linklater have made a 'pinky swear' to reconvene once each decade for as long as they're fit and able, and recap on what life has held for Celine and Jessie. Bolam, Bewes, Clement and La Frenais - come on (pretty please). Life's too short...