On a Clear Day * (1st time' big screen)
2005, Dellal, GB
A ship worker made redundant decides to swim the Channel.
Rocky at sea may seem a clichéd summary, but only for a clichéd film; the acting helps it through.

Before Sunrise *** (1st time)
1995, Linklater, US
A young American and French student meet on a train in Budapest and decide to spend the night together, before she leaves for Paris.
Conversation piece relying on contrasting philosophies from its two characters to drive it along; the acting had to be brilliant, and it is.

Before Sunset *** (1st time)
2004, Linklater, US
Jesse and Celine meet nine years after their first meeting.
The characters have developed into wiser, older adults, and the two actors embody them convincingly; but, as the script's self-reflection would have it, neither of them have really changed, and the narrative's swing into bittersweet nostalgia makes for an infuriatingly perfect final moment.

Mick