Movie Thoughts: Before Sunrise (1995)

November 29, 2020

Movie Thoughts: Before Sunrise (1995)

Disclaimer: this writing is probably not an objective review. This is pure my honest thoughts about this movie. Another disclaimer: it contains a lot of spoilers.

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Well, to begin with, this movie has been on my list for too long since its premiere on Netflix. As a big fan of a romantic-drama or a romantic-comedy movies, I am ashamed to tell you that this is my first time hearing and watching this movie. Not only because it's a classic romance -- or legendary movie -- but also because it has Ethan Hawke starred in it (who doesn't love Ethan Hawke, right?).

So, on a happy but gloomy weekend, as I'm not going anywhere (new habits since the pandemic), I decided to watch this movie alone, with some Kleenex by my side, ready to burst myself into tears (but I wasn't crying though).

Before Sunrise (1995) tells a story about a young American man named Jesse (Ethan Hawke) who met a French woman named Celine (Julie Delpy) on a train in Europe. They experienced a fascinating conversation on the train and ended up strolling around Vienna together as two strangers falling in love.

That's it. I hope I sums up the storyline well, because that is what it's all about. Two strangers, having a completely hopeless romantic conversation on a train, strolling around the city as strangers, and falling in love. Does it sound cliché? Yes it is. As I watch the movie, I also can't help but thinking, "this is actually creepy". That's why your imagination and beliefs in all of the cliché-est things about love is needed while watching this movie.

Jesse and Celine, actually had a different destination when they met on the train. Jesse was about to get off in Vienna, waiting for a flight back to his home country in 24 hours, while Celine was heading back to Paris. When they arrived in Vienna, Jesse asked her to get off from the train with him and travel around the city until he catch up his flight back home the next morning. Of course, Celine said yes.

As they stroll, they converse, and converse. Talking about what they love, what they hate, about their failed love story in the past, their families, their happiness, their sadness. Sharing thoughts on everything they see on the streets, and it goes on, and on, and on. Until, they realized in the next morning that they have to go back to reality and head back to their original destination.

These two strangers actually knew from the beginning that they will part ways eventually, but they take the risk anyway. Enjoying their 24 hours together, talking about nonsense, but deep things, like some of us probably often imagine about the idea of a relationship.

I have to say that what makes this movie wins my heart is the conversation they make. The conversation is so real and natural. Sometimes I can relate to Celine as a woman, but sometimes I feel like I can agree with Jesse too. Of course it's scripted, which makes it even crazier (credits to Mr. Richard Linklater and Ms. Kim Krizan as the writers of this movie).

Talking about the actors, I never expected Ethan Hawke to act in a romantic movie that well, though. That's because I watch him in several action movies, so I have no idea that he has that kind of "bad guy but lovely" side on him. On the other hand, this is my first time watching actress Julie Delpy. My first thought, she is absolutely gorgeous -- and I love her speaking English with a twist of French accent in it. Well, their chemistry feel so natural and they make a perfect young couple together.

Following the successful of this movie, the love story between Jesse and Celine actually continue in the next two films -- which I haven't watch -- Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013). To be honest, I kind of hoping that the movie will end just like this. No continuity, no follow up. It would be perfect just like that, to sums up that not everything can always end up being together, even when two people love each other. But of course, that's just me being hopelessly romantic, hehe.

Alright, to finish this gibberish writing, I will share some of my favorites quotes (and scenes) from the movie. I hope more people will be able to love deeply and fearlessly. I mean, being a hopeless romantic is totally okay, people. Have a great day for the rest of this weekend.