Hello friends of #Movies&TVShows, this is my first participation in this community. As an audiovisual enthusiast, I believe that a good movie is neither old nor new—if it can connect with the viewer, and even more so if it can stir emotions, it has already fulfilled its purpose. That’s why I’m bringing you this 1995 film, inspired by personal experiences I’ve had.
"Before Sunrise" is one of those films that touches your soul without the need for grand special effects or dramatic twists. Directed by Richard Linklater, the story follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy), two young people who meet by chance on a train traveling from Budapest to Vienna. What starts as a casual conversation turns into a magical night where they explore the city, share their dreams, fears, and philosophies on life, and discover a connection that goes beyond the surface.
The film begins with Jesse, an American traveling through Europe, and Céline, a French woman returning to Paris after visiting her grandmother. Both are in the same train car, and after an awkward argument between a German couple, Jesse suggests to Céline that they get off together in Vienna and spend the night exploring the city before he catches his flight back to the United States. Although Céline hesitates at first, she eventually agrees, and so their adventure begins.
What I loved most about the film is how it unfolds through dialogue. There are no big action scenes or unexpected twists; everything revolves around the conversations between Jesse and Céline. They talk about everything: from love and relationships to death and the meaning of life. Every topic they touch on makes you reflect, and it’s impossible not to relate to some of their thoughts or experiences.
The performances by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are simply brilliant. They manage to convey such natural chemistry that it feels like they’re not acting but actually living that night together. Their glances, laughter, and silences speak as much as their words. I especially loved the scene on the Ferris wheel at the Prater, where they share their first kiss. It’s such an intimate and tense moment that it leaves you breathless.
The city of Vienna also plays an important role in the film. Every place they visit, from the Cemetery of the Nameless to a boat on the river, seems to have its own personality and contributes to the romantic and melancholic atmosphere of the story. The cinematography perfectly captures the beauty of the city, with its soft lights and empty streets, creating an ideal setting for this unique night.
One of the most memorable moments is when they meet a street poet by the river. He asks them for a word to create a poem, and Jesse suggests “milkshake.” The poem he dedicates to them is beautiful and full of meaning, and while Jesse remains skeptical, Céline is fascinated. It’s a scene that perfectly sums up their dynamic: he, more cynical and pragmatic; she, dreamy and romantic.
The ending of the film is one of those that leaves you with a lump in your throat. Jesse and Céline agree not to exchange numbers or addresses but to meet again in the same place in six months. As Céline’s train departs, both know that this night has been something special, but also that they may never see each other again. It’s an open ending that leaves you thinking about fate, missed opportunities, and how a single night can change your life.
In summary, "Before Sunrise" is a film that celebrates the beauty of human connections and the magic of fleeting moments. It’s not a conventional love story; rather, it’s an honest portrayal of how two people can meet, share something unique, and then go their separate ways. If you like movies that make you think and feel, this one is definitely for you. Just be prepared to be left wanting more, because it’s impossible not to fall in love with Jesse and Céline.
Fotos Tomadas de: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0112471/mediaindex/?ref_=tt_mv_sm
