Don’t Let Another Sunset Before You Watch “Before Sunrise”

I’ve put off watching this film for far too long, largely due to Ethan Hawke. Back in the day, his roles often mirrored the kind of douche-bags I encountered in my own life, reminding me too much of my younger self—like a reflection I was reluctant to face. But now that I’m older and wiser, I’ve come to appreciate Hawke’s talent and finally decided it was time to dive into this trilogy.

What really struck me about the film is how authentic the encounters feel. I used to ride the trains, meeting all sorts of strangers during those rides, and this story effortlessly drew me in. The dialogues between Jesse and Celine are so relatable; they echo the kind of conversations many of us have had, especially during those early stages of getting to know someone. Sure, they tackle some unconventional questions right off the bat, but it still resonates with that initial phase of discovery. Richard Linklater and Kim Krizan have crafted a screenplay that’s nothing short of masterful, complete with clever callbacks like the two actors they bump into after disembarking the train.

This film might just be one of the most realistic and relatable flicks from the 90s, and I can’t believe I waited so long to watch it. All the characters felt like people I’ve encountered at some point, adding depth to the story alongside the city of Vienna, which feels like an essential character itself. The side characters and the city serve as a rich backdrop to Jesse and Celine’s evolving story, creating a beautifully woven tapestry.

That said, Jesse’s cynicism can be a bit grating at times. I get that he’s young and thinks he has the world figured out—this is part of his journey, of course. While I find myself relating to both characters, I definitely lean more towards Celine’s perspective.

I’ve really done myself a disservice by not experiencing this gem sooner. Now I can’t wait to jump into the second and third films!