Filmed in Vienna, Austria, this is a wonderful talk-fest film about two people traveling in Europe by way of train. One is a young American man named Jesse, played by Ethan Hawke. The other is a young French woman named Celine, played by Julie Delpy. They are the only major characters in the film.

The story begins with Jesse and Celine on a train seated a distance away from each other. Celine is reading a book, but is distracted by a couple on the train arguing. She moves to an empty seat across from Jesse; he is also reading a book. Jesse and Celine glance at each other, and briefly comment on the bickering couple. Then they ask each other what they are reading. Soon they are absorbed in conversation. They discuss language, their family, fears, and life in general while on the train.

Later, the train makes a stop in Vienna, and it's time for Jesse to get off there. Jesse and Celine are attracted to each other and want to continue talking. Jesse suggests to Celine that she get off the train with him in Vienna. He needs to catch a plane to America in the morning, so he suggests they can spend the time up until then, walking around Vienna and getting to know each other better. Celine is apprehensive about going with Jesse at first. But she doesn't have to go back to Paris right away, so she decides to get off the train with him. They feel awkward walking around together at first, but soon get really comfortable being with each other.

As they walk around, they meet different colorful people. The first people they meet are two part-time actors who are performing in a play that night. They invite Jesse and Celine to see their performance. The actors mention the time and place.

Jesse and Celine continue to walk around getting to know each other and enjoying the sites. They do a Q & A together, go to a record shop, visit a cemetery, and go to a carnival where they have their first kiss. They discuss family, loves, philosophy, life.

It's in the evening now, and they are at an outside cafe. A palm reader comes up to them and does a palm reading for Celine. When the palm reader leaves, Jesse talks about her; he has a cynical view regarding palm readers and feels that she was condescending toward him. It's a very amusing scene.

They stop at a church, and discuss religion while inside. Next, while walking by a river, they meet a street poet. The poet writes a poem for them. He writes it in a few minutes; it's a beautiful poem, but Jesse thinks he didn't make the poem up on the spot.

Jesse and Celines' next stop is at a nightclub. They have a couple of beers and play pinball. As they continue to talk, they discuss dating and "the battle of the sexes".

Later, they stop in a restaurant. They play a game, pretending to call up their best friends, telling their friends about their encounter, and how they feel toward each other.

As Jesse and Celine continue to walk around Vienna, they stop at another restaurant. It's late now, and they soon realize their vacation together will soon end. They wonder whether they should keep in touch....They decide to make the night memorable by getting a bottle of wine and two champagne glasses and spending the rest of the night at a park. The night is funny and romantic.

When the next day arrives and they are about to go their separate ways, they make a promise to see each other again 6 months from last night.

The acting in Before Sunrise seems so real; it's as if the audience is spying on two regular non-acting people. The cinematography is gorgeous, showing absolutely beautiful architecture and green nature.

The plot's ending is weak; you don't know how it really ends, but it's a lot of fun "taking a walk with Jesse and Celine". Their conversations are interesting. They are two secure and confident characters who are very charming. I'm glad I got to know them.

Recommended:
Yes