Customer Reviews

Before Sunrise [VHS]

5 star:		(173)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

When I heard the story line for Before Sunrise, a slacker American played by Ethan Hawke falls in love in Europe with Julie Delpy, I rolled my eyes. But this is a thoughftul and compelling movie that broke down my skeptical and cynical wall. First, the movie takes us through the awkward stages of two people going from being perfect strangers to removing their own walls and falling in love in a way that is never sappy. Using this falling-in-love motif, the director/writer Richard Linklater addresses several profound themes: the nature of time, the conflict between cynicism and romance, the obsession with death, the shortcomings of "adulthood." The dialogue between Hawke and Delpy is philosophical but never too abstract; it seems to stem from their well-drawn characters. I suppose there's a parallel between the breaking down of my own cynicism and the characters'. They have been hurt by life, have put up their walls, and, through their discussions, they have gradually removed those walls so that by the movie's end you think it's a crime if they don't fall in love and live happily ever after. But the movie is more complex than a happy ending. The movie forces you to ask if their love would survive if removed from the brief ecstasy of their single day (and night) together. Is the brevity the cause of their ecstasy? Would a life of marriage disintigrate into the mundane? The characters struggle with these questions in what is my favorite romantic movie.

At first, I was surprised I was even watching this movie. I'm older now. Been married for 20 years. Not really into "chick flicks" but something about the dialog between these two young people caught my attention when I surfed into this movie. These kids were truly something. The young lady was everything I would want my daughter to be. Smart, articulate, pretty, honest, independent and sensible. She was a lot of fun to listen to. The boy was honorable and really seemed to care for this girl. I hope my sons treat the women they fall in love with with the same respect. Why would a middle age guy like me like this movie? I think it took me back to a time where I remember feeling the magic and excitment from meeting someone for the first time. It was pretty nice to feel this again for a short time. I guess I forgotten how it felt to be so intrigued by someone that nothing else in the world mattered. It was rare to have this feeling and something that we will all remember when it does happen....or something we would want to experience again. It's like a gift. It reminded me of that Neil Young song Like a Hurricane....."...that magic moment right before you kissed my lips, time just slips....". I hope I remeber the words right. This is truly an excellent movie with great dialog. A true gem in a world of rotten, corny movies minus the breast shots and gratuitous sex scenes. None of that in this movie. Just a very honest and natural progression in a short-term relationship that both charactures really appreciate.

This is just a very good movie. Perhaps one of the best I have ever seen. Not sure why it's rated "R". Perhaps some of the language but I have heard worse in my son's Jr. High School.

Watch this movie and experience a wonderful feeling that you probably haven't experienced in years or maybe never experienced but want to. It makes this guy appreciate the woman that I have a little bit more than I did.

In a world where characters seem to cautiously approach a tentative friendship before diving into an impulsive romantic relationship, it is almost refreshing to see both happening at once. From the moment American Jesse meets the luminous French Celine there is a soul connection that defies definition.

At first, Celine seems to overwhelm Jesse with her intellectual wanderings and yet she playfully allows him to tease her. The chemistry is phenomenal and the sheer beauty of various scenes made me realize how the simplicity of the settings actually enhanced the emotional aspects.

Throughout the entire movie you never feel that you are on the outside looking in, although I think that is the underlying attraction. I was so mesmerized by the script I felt I became each character as they were speaking. This is bliss for anyone who loves the sheer honesty of life itself. Jesse and Celine delve into philosophy, creatively describe their first romantic feelings and enjoy a spontaneous merging of the minds.

When they meet on a train heading to Vienna, neither imagine they will encounter a reality that is better than any fantasy. There is a sweet innocence pervading this entire movie with an underlying erotic tension that never seems to find complete fulfillment on screen. While the ending of this movie is more melancholy, the ending of Before Sunset is more than delicious.

~The Rebecca Review

Can you think of another film and sequel that are as uniformly excellent? I sure can't. "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset" are each jewels in their own right.

I saw "Before Sunrise" when it came out in 1995 and fell head over heels. Some films become instant favorites but lose their luster after repeated viewings through the years -- it's natural for our response to change as we age and evolve. But with true movie classics, our affection only grows. "Before Sunrise" is one of those. It has remained among my favorite films these past nine years, and subsequent viewings have brought just as much, if not more, delight and wonder.

Unfortunately, I've been less than thrilled with Richard Linklater's subsequent films -- particularly "Waking Life," which I thought was pretentious and annoying (despite animated cameos by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy).

So, I approached "Before Sunset" with both trepidation and excitement. Amazingly, the sequel is just as enjoyable and satisfying as the first. The tone is somewhat different, as you would expect because of the characters' greater maturity and share of disappointments. The performances, script and direction remain perfect.

These are the most European American films I can think of, and yes, that's a compliment. (Sometimes, you almost expect to see subtitles.) They are particularly reminiscent of Eric Rohmer's films in that they rely on real-time effects and lengthy conversations to tap into what it means to be human and connect with others. And in fact, if you love the "Before" movies and you don't mind subtitles, you might want to also check out Rohmer films like "Boyfriends and Girlfriends" and "Summer."

The "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset" DVDs have excellent picture quality. There are no extras to speak of, except for a short behind-the-scenes documentary on the "Before Sunset" DVD. At first, I was disappointed, but then I realized that adding a commentary or deleted scenes to either film might only risk taking away some of the magic. Both movies stand on their own. They are, in my opinion, the most perfectly realized romantic films in American movie history, bar none.

As many other reviews have said, this is truly one of the most underrated films of the 1990's. I saw this film on TV and taped it. I love it. I've watched it propbably two dozen times. When I first saw it, I asked all my friends if any had seen it, only to be answered with no's. When I finally met someone who had seen it, and when they loved it too, I felt like my secret was shared. Now I'd like to share that secret with you. Goddess Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke are truly fantastic. Julie is absolutely divine. The way she claimed relationships that lasted forever were "stupid" in the cafe hoping, yearning for Hawke to argue, was pure genius. The brilliancy of this film is the fact that Vienna becomes a metaphor of their relationship. The scene in the cemetary with "Elizabeth" is spellbinding. The stolen glances in the listening booth resonate every time. I recommend this movie both for any who have ever dreamed of love at first site and for those who disregard it.

I once shared this movie with several friends - to my amazement they didn't care for it. Their criticism was misguided, and amounted to something about how they disagreed with some of the philosophical points made in the dialogue, and that they weren't impressed with the youthful conversation. I don't know how one can miss the point of this movie so badly. It functions on many levels, but one way to describe it in a few words is that it depicts what it means to be young (I am in my mid 40's). You really have to have a tin ear and a tin heart to not be moved emotionally by this movie. It's really great to read all the positive reviews. It is the only movie I have ever purchased.

Again, it is beautiful on many levels and filled with great scenes and music, but let me say that the ending is the most visually and emotionally moving ending to a movie I have ever seen. I'm referring to the scene where the camera revisits at sunrise the places the 2 characters have been during the night. Like all art, one can't really describe it, but it depicts and underscores loneliness, the human soul, and how relationships and the "in between" give meaning to our lives.

I remember when this movie came out a few years ago that I thought the concept of the movie - two strangers meet on a train, and get to know each other -- but both must leave never to see each other again -- sounded intriguing. I was right.
I rented this movie and thought the movie was charming, funny, poigniant, and very realistic.

Ethan Hawke ( a very underrated actor - please make more movies!!!) and Julie Delpy (where has she gone?) meet on a train going to Vienna. On a whim, both decide to spend the day and night together.

This is not an action movie! There is dialogue - people talk and you get to know them as they get to know each other. Both actors do an excellent job of acting. The nervousness, the anticipation - it is all there. The audience ( and the charecters) know what is going to happen - but the fun is the conversations these people have in getting there. Meaningless, stupid, funny, interesting; the converstations are interesting because both people know they likely won't see each other again - so they can confide in each other.

The scenery is great. Having been to Vienna, the sights are wonderful. I even went to many of the same places as the charecters. The fountain they sit at is above the Vienna State Opera House. At the end of the movie, you will see a line of people - those people are waiting for standing-room only tickets for the opera!! It made me remember my time in Vienna. I waited in that line to see the opera.

I must confess I met a girl on a train as well in Europe - and this movie brought the same memories of that time. The movie is romantic, and cool because the guy lives out a fantasy thing for traveling in Europe. Oo la lah. (I didn't get so lucky! : ()

This is a charming movie, and well worth seeing. It is so sad at the end ( I won't ruin the resolution), but the writer/director R. Linklater handles the ending with such beauty and subtle touch that it makes the movie even more 'true.'

This is truly bravura filmmaking. No, it isn't "Lawrence of Arabia," but in my opinion, it is similarly quality filmmaking. This movie is like "My Dinner with Andre." There is simply something about it that makes your heart sing. Yeah, just from two people being together. No sex, no drugs, no rock and roll, just simply human communication. Simply exquisite. See it. (And it isnt a chick movie!!)

UPDATE FOR ALL YOU "BEFORE SUNRISE" FANS - THERE IS A SEQUEL COMING - EXPECTED IN 2004!!!!

a beautiful, simple, but poignant, love story that demonstrates the strong connections we can develop to one another in a short time. A lovely, remarkable story that captures eternity within a day.

I'm your average non-macho, atypical male! Romance has been a part of
my life since I first realized in 6th grade you can get a giddy feeling
in your tummy by looking at a cute female. That 6th grade romance was
on and off again until 8th grade and then I took the plunge for six
years with the same woman. Did we marry? No, but I've loved romance
ever since.

Both 'Before Sunrise' and 'Before Sunset' are two of my five favorite
movies of all time. I actually saw them in reverse order, as I'd never
heard of either of them and at the rental store, they only had the
latter. After seeing Before Sunset, I had to see Before Sunrise. Lo and
behold, they didn't even have Before Sunrise, so I went to Amazon and
proceeded to purchase them both. Since owning them, I've watched them
four times since!

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy couldn't have been better cast by anyone
else. She and Hawke's youth (they were both 23 when filmed) and
innocence were perfect. The ability to take 90 or so minutes and
complete a whirlwind romance was a tremendous feat for Linklater. The
entire premise of the chance meeting on a train speeding towards
Vienna; the quick glances, the ability to watch like a voyeur the
evolution to the first words, lunch in the dining car; the persuasion
of Delpy to get off the train and spend 16hrs. walking through Vienna
with Hawke were spellbinding.

The chemistry of not only the characters, but what had to have been a
new professional friendship with Hawke and Delpy was very classy. The
companionship seemed as real as any two characters I've ever seen in
my 51 years. Possibly Tracy and Hepburn comes to mind as the dialog,
the quips, and the laughter were all very genuine and non-contrived as
were many of the classic Hepbrun/Tracy pictures of old.

After watching it the first time, purchasing both DVD's and then
watching the sequel, I immediately took the following two evenings and
watched again. The second time, the true brilliance of the performances
became very apparent. I paid particular attention to the non-verbal
'acting' and it was so true to realism, I genuinely felt I was immersed
as a mouse in the corner watching the evolution of an actual love
story. If I would have read that Hawke and Delpy had become real life
lovers, I would have applauded their new found love and completely
understood. If I were playing opposite Ms. Delpy, I would surely have
fallen in love with her charm, wit, quiet sexiness, and the delicate
balance between a strong woman, yet one that desperately longed for a
man in her life.

Pay particular attention to the very subtle actions of their glances,
touches and how their acting really wasn't acting, but how their
scenarios would have played out in real life. The scene in the record
store was perfect as the two of them squeezed into a listening booth
and were listening to a jazz recording. It was a very awkward moment,
but the tension between them just dripped with reality! Should they
touch? Should they look at each other? I kept saying under my breath,
"kiss her you fool"!.

Another amazing part of this movie is the lack of nudity, raw sex and
just a few seconds of 'adult' language. The way Linklater closed the
film was so appropriate to their parting at the end. Taking slow shots
of the areas they had strolled through the night before and showing the
emptiness of it was very sad and made you even more aware of what
they'd developed in just a few short hours. Seeing the empty champagne
bottle and glasses in the grass at the park was so metaphorical it
brought tears to my eyes. The question, "Would they ever see each other
again?" was on my mind as was, "Would they give addresses, phone
numbers or would this be a fluke"?

I could write paragraphs about how this film played on my senses, but
if you and/or your wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone you
want a better relationship with see this, things will change for the
two of you. If they don't, it's time to move on to a different
relationship.

Make plans to at least rent this movie and its sequel, Before Sunset.
See them with your significant other. It can't help but bring you
closer, possibly patch up some differences, or realize it's time to
look deeper into your relationship. These movies can show that it's
ok to be vulnerable and open with the right person. These movies show
where a new friendship can quickly evolve into a romance with the right
person. Taking such a path can lead to a lifetime of mature and
enduring love, yet even in absence, the heart does indeed grow fonder!

PS A little over a week ago (March 9, 2007) I was fortunate enough to have had my own 'Before Sunrise'. On an overnight flight, a beautiful French woman (from Montreal) sat next to me and we conversed the entire flight! We spoke as new friends and I learned many different things about her that were exciting! Her history, her travels around the world, her education and current career as a small businesswoman.........this was really what it must have been like to the characters of 'Before Sunrise'. The smile on her face.......the soft French accent, wow! To top it off, spending another 2 hours with her and having breakfast were pure joy! We exchanged e-mails and phone numbers...........oh if only Montreal were closer................

What a great movie. Like many people this was a movie that I stumbled upon to during late night channel surfing. I am not really a big fan of romantic-type movies but I decided to watch it. Wow am I glad I did.

The story begins when a young American man and a young French women meet on a train going from Budapest to Paris. Jesse, a young American man is getting off in Vienna to catch his plane back to the US, he's finishing up a vacation. Celine, the young French women is going back to Paris after visiting her grandmother in Budapest. They begin to engage in mutual conversation on the train and start to hit it off. After the train pulls into Vienna, Jesse convinces Celine to get off the train with him and check out Vienna. They spend the rest of the day and night talking and slowly growing more and more attracted to each other, they eventually fall in love.

As the movie progressed you slowly grow on and become more and more attached to the characters, they are very likeable and believable. I found myself thinking about the moment when they would inevitably have to bid farewell too each other. It's the type of movie that stays with you and you think about for days and days after. Richard Linklater did an excellent job writing and directing this movie, there very many memorable seens (if not all of them). I think my favorite seen if I had to name just one would be the fake phone conversation that they had in the restaurant, I loved that scene. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy were born for these parts, they played their characters perfectly and very naturally. This is a must-see.