Before Sunrise is a 1995 movie written and directed by Richard Linklater. It stars Ethan Hawke as Jesse and Julie Delpy as Celine, the two main characters in this movie. It is a romance, but a different kind of romance that only spans the time the two meet and the following sunrise. Before Sunrise won the Silver Berlin Bear Award in 1995 for Best Director (Richard Linklater).

The Movie

The movie is about Jessie and Celine who meet on a train in going through Europe. Celine decides to move to a seat in the back due to a disturbance and this leads to a conversation with Jesse, who was reading a book in the back. They instantly hit it off and end up talking for the rest of the train ride. Jesse is bound for Vienna and Celine is returning to France and her classes. Jesse is so taken back with Celine that he talks her into postponing her trip and getting off in Vienna with him. They spend the evening and night together seeing all the sights in Vienna and of course, getting to know one another.

My Thoughts On Before Sunrise

This was a different kind of romance that captivated you as you watched along. The setting was beautiful and the movie is worth watching just to see all the beautiful sites in Europe.

The romance is also different--not your average sappy scenes. Jesse and Celine met through a simple introduction and conversation on the train. This seemed to set off the big spark between them. They talked non-stop about anything and everything along the way. They ended up getting off the train together and spending more time together. By the time the sun came up then next morning they knew just about everything there was to know about one another. And they had fallen in love.

The story ends as the two decide to meet again in Vienna in 6 months to see if the spark is still there. It closes very quickly and leaves the viewer hanging and saying...wow, that was abrupt!

There is a good spark of chemistry between Hawke and Delpy. They carry the movie very well and keep the audience tuned in to their varied conversations on life. I think they were very well matched for the leading roles in this movie.

There are no special effects in this movie. The setting however, makes up for this. The sights in Vienna are breathtaking and a nice backdrop for a budding romance as the two stroll along in the city or take a boat down the river.

This movie is a refreshing look at a budding romance. It will make you think of your own personal experiences. It will also make you think. Before Sunrise is a great story of a couple who really gets to know one another and enjoys each other's company.

Recommendation

This is not a sappy kind of romance. It keeps you entertained with the hunger of Jesse and Cline in finding out about each others likes and dislikes, expectations in life, beliefs, etc. It is a good movie to watch and reminds us how importance conversation is to a relationship. I give Before Sunset 5 Stars!

© 2007 Birdfeather

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older