In 1995, a quietly powerful love story arrived in movie theaters that would go on to become one of the most beloved romantic films ever made.
Before Sunrise, directed by Richard Linklater, has since been ranked among the best movies of all time by Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its enduring emotional resonance.
The film follows Jesse and Céline, played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who meet on a train and impulsively decide to spend one night together in Vienna. What unfolds is a simple yet deeply intimate story, driven almost entirely by conversation as the two wander the city, sharing their thoughts on life, love and everything in between.
“I was walking around with Amy [the woman who helped inspire the story] in Philadelphia for a whole night. We were attracted to each other and I was thinking, ‘Oh, this is a film.’ I wanted to make a film about a feeling that minimal,” Linklater told Huck in 2020.
“Can you capture that: two people meeting and having a connection? In the romance genre, that’s usually just the beginning and then the story picks up and they head to bed pretty quickly. I was in opposition to that. The first kiss is a big deal. It takes a long time to get there, as it often does in real life.”
Rather than relying on traditional plot or dramatic twists, Before Sunrise thrives on its authenticity. The chemistry between its leads and the natural flow of dialogue give the film a sense of realism that resonates with audiences long after it ends.
“The film’s only agenda is to go onto the next interaction – all it propels you to is the next thing,” Linklater told BFI in 1995. “The fact is they won’t know until they’re apart how much they really care about each other. We all create these romantic ideals, even if they don’t exist. It’s kind of an endearing thing about the species that we do that.”
The movie went on to become the first installment in Linklater’s acclaimed Before trilogy, followed by Before Sunset and Before Midnight, further exploring the evolving relationship between the two characters over time.
Though modest in scale, Before Sunrise has had a lasting cultural impact, often cited as one of the most realistic portrayals of romance ever put to film. Its themes of chance encounters, fleeting moments and emotional vulnerability continue to strike a chord with viewers.
Decades after its release, the film remains a favorite among critics and audiences alike.
With its inclusion in Rotten Tomatoes’ ranking, Before Sunrise stands as a timeless classic, one that proves sometimes the simplest stories leave the deepest impression.
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