ReView: ‘Before Sunrise’ Shines with Subtlety

With love thick in the air as Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to revisit the 1995 romance “Before Sunrise,” directed by Richard Linklater. 

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the film still retains a genuine and warm tone. With no hidden twists or shocking revelations, “Before Sunrise” curates a tender story centered around simple conversation.

The first installment of Linklater’s “Before” trilogy, the film follows a budding romance between strangers Céline (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke). The pair strike up a coquettish conversation on a train from Budapest to Vienna, leading Céline to ditch her plans in Paris and stay with Jesse for the night. 

Upon first meeting Hawke (“Dead Poets Society,” “Training Day”) as Jesse, it’s nearly impossible not to assume he’s yet another faux-philosophical, twenty-something, sporting slicked back hair and cliched pessimism. Yet, by the end there’s a shift in his demeanor. 

It’s clear he has a better understanding of himself and allows Céline’s compassion to bring his guard down. By the end Jesse is able to give into the romance and express hope for their future by encouraging Céline to meet him again in six months while parting at the train station. 

Céline as portrayed by Delpy (“But I’m A Cheerleader,” “2 Days in Paris”) is an optimist at heart. She has a sense of hope and romance about the world, yet  is still down to earth and acknowledges she still has much to learn. Céline, much like Jesse, has a guard up. 

Hers is seemingly different as she has a harder time emotionally expressing herself. Jesse gives Céline the room for vulnerability and connection by showing genuine interest in not just her opinions, but her experiences. She’s able to trust him with her worries and stories, allowing her to let go of others’ expectations of her and give into the spontaneous courtship.

“Before Sunrise” makes conversing with a stranger feel less like a chore and more like a privilege. Humor, flirtation, sexual tension and charm are embedded into every word and longing stare. 

A vivid highlight of the film is its ability to romanticize individual flaws and mundanity. The pair engage in conversations and arguments in everyday locations like a record store, a trolly and a coffee shop.

The intimacy of “Before Sunrise” is defined by its ability to exist outside of grand gestures and fancy dinner tables. Instead, Céline and Jesse exchange their romantic feelings nestled against a pinball machine while drinking cheap German beer. 

The picturesque cinematography from Linklater (“Dazed and Confused,” “Boyhood”) inspires wanderlust. Fortunetellers, actors with thick-framed glasses, belly dancers and cigarette-smoking poets paint the backdrop of Céline and Jesse’s affair.

Observations and opinions from strangers allow the couple to understand one another’s views on humanity and romance. Seemingly every shot, character and line is crafted with intention, without shoving the themes down the viewer’s throat — or eyes.

The audience practically participates in voyeurism via Linklater’s direction. After stealing a bottle of wine, Jesse and Céline debate engaging in a one night stand in a park. Céline confesses it may be more painful to say goodbye if they sleep together while Jesse states he would rather not say goodbye at all.

“If I was asked right now to marry you or never see you again, I would marry you,” Jesse says. “Maybe that’s a lot of romantic crap, but people have gotten married for a lot less. I think we’d have as good a chance as anyone else.”

Jesse matches Céline’s perspective of the world viewed  through rose-colored glasses. The duo’s shared vulnerability is painfully real, representing what it’s like to get to know someone for who they really are. 

“Before Sunrise” provides a smart, heartfelt and realistic look at young love. Its fantastical perspective argues simply slowing down and talking is the key to falling in love.

“Before Sunrise” is available for streaming on Prime Video.