Before Sunrise (1995)

Director: Richard Linklater

Stars: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Runtime: 101 minutes

Synopsis: A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.

Performances: 9/10
Screenplay: 9/10
Editing: 8/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10

Verdict: If my memory serves me well, I'd estimate that it's been around 4 or 5 years since I last experienced one of the greatest love stories ever told in movie form (or any other form as far as I'm concerned).

It all started with a loud dispute on a train that pushed Céline to change her seat closer to Jesse's. After a brief exchange that sparked a connection between the two protagonists, Céline agrees to spend a night in Vienna to keep Jesse company while he waits for his flight back home the following morning. And that's pretty much it. There's no dramatic fight aimed at creating conflict we know both of them will recover from, no cheesy boomboxes under the balcony, no dramatic resurgences of exes... Nothing aimed at overdramatizing a very simple synopsis. It's just two people walking around a gorgeous European city while slowly falling for one another as they open up about their views on a number of topics. The ideal date if you ask me.

But a simple concept does not equate a simple execution. On the contrary. "Before Sunrise" could've easily turned into a borefest if it wasn't for the incredible performances by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as well as the electric chemistry they share. They were made for one another, and every emotion they felt was beautifully transmitted to the audience. It was magical, moving, and genuine. But the key that holds the movie together is the absorbing dialogue between the two young leads. Every single line uttered has its beautiful weight and adds a layer to their relationship, making it impossible not to root for them.

"Before Sunrise" is a testimony to young romance that strays away from every cliché found in the genre. Powerhouse performances and riveting dialogue make it an absolute must and the first chapter of what I consider to be the best trilogy of all time.

FINAL GRADE: 9/10