Before Sunrise starring Ethan Hawke,
Julie Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno
Pöschl, Karl Bruckschwaiger
3.5 Stars Out Of 4
This romantic, witty, and ultimately poignant glimpse at two strangers
(Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) who share thoughts, affections, and past
experiences during one 14-hour tryst in Vienna somehow remains
writer/director Richard Linklaters (Dazed and Confused, Slacker) most
overlooked gem. Delpy, a stunning, low-key Parisian, meets the
stammering American Hawke, as the two share a Eurorail seat--shes
starting school in Paris, hes finishing a vacation. Their mutual attraction
leads to an awkward meeting (beautifully played by each performer), and
Hawke suggests that Delpy spend his remaining 14 hours in Vienna with
him. Typically, this skeleton is as much plot as Linklater provides; as
usual, hes more interested in concentrating his talents on observing the
casual, playful conversations between his leads. His tight time frame
allows the characters to say anything to one another, and topics ranging
from politics to past romances to fears of the future flow with subtle
finesse. The short time frame is also cruel, however, because beneath this
love affair lies the painful reality that the two most likely will never see each
other again and will be left only with memories--an idea Linklater drives
home with an effective snapshot conclusion. Hardly the trite Gen-X bitch
session that many 90s films using this approach become, the film feels
more like a Bresson or Rohmer piece, containing sharp perceptions--and
flawed humans rather than stereotypes. The protagonists frank revelations
and heated exchanges flow in a stream-of-consciousness style, and its no
accident that Linklater set the film in Vienna, where Freud invented and
practiced psychotherapy. --Dave McCoy
Jesse and Celine are two people from different parts of the world. Jesse
from America and Celine from France. Funny how time works. While both
are riding separately on a train in Austria, their paths cross, and they begin
to chat. The chat leads into having conversation over a meal in the lounge
car. As the train comes to a stop where Jesse is to get off, hes so
captivated with Celine, he asks her to get off with him and just get to know
each other more while in Vienna. As the night goes on, the attraction they
have for each other begins to grow. But the inevitable is on the horizon as
the sun begins to rise, and their one day of happiness begins to come to a
close.
`Before Sunrise is truly one of the best romantic movies I think I have ever
seen. Its not some sappy chick flick where some of the most absurd
moments happen. It honestly feels real. Especially if youve ever fallen in
love before. The first time meeting that special someone and how
everything just clicks. How you cant get enough of each other and want to
soak in everything they say and do like youre a thirsty dry sponge. The
movie is littered with dialogue. It almost feels like a book on CD, but
video...heh. But not once did I get bored. Sometimes their talking could go
a little on and on, but in a way, isnt that how it is in real life sometimes?
There have been many times where I would c atch myself just babbling
away at a story. And while the movie is a romantic movie, its still filled with
some good laughs. So dont think its just one big OH SMOOCH ME ALL
NIGHT LONG, because it isnt. When Jesse and Celine kiss, it was a little
goofy the way it came about, but it was, you know, cute I guess (ugh). But
later Celine kind of dogs on Jesse for trying to be all romantic to get that
first kiss. It made me laugh. But seriously, I cant get over how the movie
brought back memories of the first time I fell in love. The awkward meeting,
the constant talking, never wanting to leave each others sides, the first
kiss, the goofy romance, the sweet romance, and never once thinking
about time. What a great movie. I cant believe Ive owned this movie for
about 3 years and never even gave it the time of day. Alphabetical
reviewing wins again!
If you love a good love story, own this. If you are looking for a good date
movie, then definitely give this a rent. I think both guys and girls will like it.
Well, I can see some guys out there rolling their eyes at it...hehe.
P.S. - One of the biggest reasons why I never gave this a shot was
because of the stupid cover. Looks like Ethan Hawke is choking Julie
Delpy out! But then you realize its some goofy hair flip maneuver. GAG!
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