How can a film so simple be so complex at the same time? How can a film where so little happens be so intriguing. On paper, Before Sunrise should be super boring, but instead it's one of the most believable and entertaining films ever made and arguably the greatest romance of all time.
Before Sunrise begins on a train heading from Budapest to Vienna where Jesse (Ethan Hawke), a young American who will be catching a flight back to the United States the next day, strikes a conversation with Céline (Julie Delpy), a young French woman heading back to Paris after visiting her grandmother. They have some chemistry as they talk but the train arrives at Vienna, which is Jesse's stop. Jesse encourages Céline to leave the train with him and she ultimately complies.
The rest of the film follows their day together as they discuss love, politics, gender differences, family, and many philosophies. The majority of the film is basically walking and talking, as Jesse and Céline tour the beautiful city and discuss the many topics mentioned above. This may sound boring, but these conversations feel so real that it's hard to do anything but watch. I don't know how much is improved vs. scripted, but Hawke and Delpy make their characters into completely 3-dimensional human beings. The best scene in the movie is easily the telephone scene for me, but it's impossible to describe why it's so perfect. You'll just have to see it for yourself.
Richard Linklater directs the film with natural flair. He doesn't rush anything. He lets the characters' conversations play out. There are many long takes, as the camera simply stays static on Jesse and Céline as they talk. No crazy edits or anything. It allows the audience to get really attached to them, as we forget we're watching a movie.
I can't think of any complaints with the movie, except for one scene where they commit a petty crime, which just seemed unnecessary. This movie is straight to the point. No subplots. No time wasted. 100 minutes of a beautiful love story unfolding. If you like romance films, watch this. If you hate romance films, watch this anyways. It's no ordinary romance movie. Nothing feels forced. It's a travesty that Linklater, Hawke, and Delpy were all snubbed from most award shows.
This film has been followed by two sequels. Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013). I plan on seeing them both very soon.
Overall rating: A+, 10/10, 5/5, 100%
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