Bold ideas, shocking plot twist and big budget are not truly
requisites for a successful movie. Sometimes, the small ones have the greater
impact on the hearts and minds of the audience. In his “Before” movie series,
director Richard Linklater brings us simple love stories with resonating
values.
The series is all about Jesse (played by Etham Hawke) and
Celine (Julie Delpy), and their journey towards friendship, love and marriage.
The movies were created nine years apart and each took place in one setting.
Philosophical in nature, the “Before” series is overflowing with dialogues and
heated arguments. The main characters are continually debating while walking,
exploring places or reminiscing the moments these places remind them of. Though
the couple have quite opposing personalities (Jessie being cynical and Celine
being romantic), they always reconcile in the end, with hope and greater love.
Watch Movie Trailer
Before Sunrise
(1995). The movie begins on June 16, 1994 with Jesse and Celine meeting
each other on a train from Budapest. Celine is returning to a university in
Paris while Jesse is catching a flight back to the United States early in the
next morning through Vienna. They strike up a friendly conversation and Jesse
manages to convince Celine to disembark with him. As Jesse does not have enough
money to rent a room for the night, the couple decide to wander around Vienna.
They walk, talk and visit some landmarks in Vienna. They
converse on diverse topics like love, life, religion, politics and about the
city. At the top of the Wiener Riesenrad, they share a kiss and a romantic
connection is instantly established. The kiss makes them more comfortable and
they become more open with each other. Celine confesses that her boyfriend
broke up with her six months before because she loved him too much. On the
other hand, Jesse reveals the true reason why he is in Europe – that is to
spend time with his girlfriend in Madrid, only to be avoided.
Watch Movie Trailer
The night wanes and the two continue to walk and talk. At
the Donaukanal, they encounter a man who writes them a poem. Soon, they admit
their attraction to one another and knowing they may not see each other again,
the couple end the night making love under the sky.
The next day, the two go back to the train station. After
deciding not to exchange contact information, they agree to meet at the same
place after six months.
