It’s hard to find a cinematic experience that has affected me more than The Before Trilogy—a series of films that relies almost entirely on dialogue, authentic performances, and deeply layered characters. Watching them feels like observing life itself, unfiltered.

Two people, two perspectives, one night

Before Sunrise (1995) is a romantic drama with a plot that may sound simple—even cliché at first: Jesse (Ethan Hawke), an American tourist, and Céline (Julie Delpy), a French student, meet by chance on a train. On a spontaneous decision, they get off together in Vienna to make the most of the hours remaining before Jesse’s morning flight.

Jesse and Céline embody different sides of the same stage in life—both young, sharp, and intelligent, searching for meaning and connection in a world that can sometimes feel distant and alienating.

Jesse hides behind a layer of charisma and American playfulness, with a more cynical and realistic outlook, while Céline represents a grounded hopefulness and sensitivity to the small details, backed by a sharp intellect. Their dynamic is the heart of the film—a captivating contrast that creates a natural, effortless connection.

Cinema of “nothing” that is everything

Director and writer Richard Linklater creates a world in which an hour and a half passes without you even noticing—even though, in the Hollywood sense, “nothing happens.” There are no explosions or dramatic plot twists—just two people talking.

Yet these conversations—about philosophy, death, love, and self-discovery—combined with precise acting, believable characters, and perfectly written dialogue, transform that “nothing” into something deeply engaging and meaningful. You simply can’t look away.

The European landscapes of Vienna serve as a dreamlike backdrop for this chance encounter—one that feels like a hazy memory that will remain etched in Jesse and Céline’s minds forever. It’s an unconventional cinematic experience, offering a glimpse into the strange blend of innocence, recklessness, and deep wisdom that defines our twenties.

The film was inspired by Linklater’s own experience: a night he spent with a woman he met in a toy store in Philadelphia. They formed a deep, natural connection, but never exchanged contact details. He released Before Sunrise in the hope that she might see it and reach out— but later discovered she had died in a car crash in 1994, just a year before the film’s release.

Looking ahead: ideal vs. reality

Although this is the most “innocent” film in the trilogy, it lays the foundation for everything that follows. Alongside its sequels, Before Sunset and Before Midnight—each released nine years apart and each taking the story in a different direction—the trilogy explores themes of idealism, longing, and reality across our twenties, thirties, and forties.

Personally, the second film in the series is my all-time favorite. It presents a deeper level of emotional maturity, with a twist that is absolutely worth the watch. If you find yourself captivated by Jesse and Céline’s conversations in Vienna, I wholeheartedly recommend continuing their journey. This isn’t just another piece of cheesy romance— it’s a genuine human connection. It’s life itself.

Personal rating: 9/10 (though I might be a bit biased)

“If there’s any kind of magic in this world, it must be in the attempt of understanding someone sharing something.”

“I guess when you are young, you believe that you will meet many people with whom you’ll connect with, but later in life you realize it only happens a few times.”