Before Sunrise (1995)

This romantic, witty, and ultimately poignant glimpse at two strangers (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) who share thoughts, affections, and past experiences during one 14-hour tryst in Vienna somehow remains writer/director Richard Linklater's (Dazed and Confused, Slacker) most overlooked gem. Delpy, a stunning, low-key Parisian, meets the stammering American Hawke, as the two share a Eurorail seat--she's starting school in Paris, he's finishing a vacation. Their mutual attraction leads to an awkward meeting (beautifully played by each performer), and Hawke suggests that Delpy spend his remaining 14 hours in Vienna with him.

Typically, this skeleton is as much plot as Linklater provides; as usual, he's more interested in concentrating his talents on observing the casual, playful conversations between his leads. His tight time frame allows the characters to say anything to one another, and topics ranging from politics to past romances to fears of the future flow with subtle finesse. The short time frame is also cruel, however, because beneath this love affair lies the painful reality that the two most likely will never see each other again and will be left only with memories--an idea Linklater drives home with an effective snapshot conclusion.

Hardly the trite Gen-X bitch session that many '90s films using this approach become, the film feels more like a Bresson or Rohmer piece, containing sharp perceptions--and flawed humans rather than stereotypes. The protagonists' frank revelations and heated exchanges flow in a stream-of-consciousness style, and its no accident that Linklater set the film in Vienna, where Freud invented and practiced psychotherapy. --Dave McCoy Amazon.com

Excellent condition, very happy

Item arrived in excellent condition and well within the promised receiving date. I am very happy with this transaction and purchase. October 16, 2008

Talky movie

If you don't like 'talky' movies, skip this one. Loved the characters but when all they do is talk through the entire movie about nothing, I kept hoping it would get better. Then again, I don't like 'talky' movies. June 11, 2008

DVD, BEFORE SUNRISE

Product was received in time .The parcel was intact and sealed.The qualityBefore Sunrise
of DVD is excellent with not a slightest flaw encountered . April 7, 2008

Before Sunrise

I don't really going into great big detail over movies but this is really good, I truly love this movie it really feels true-to-life to say. You should watch it and the sequel Before Sunset as well. March 24, 2008

Enchanting exchange of impressions...

We found these DVDs and bought both together as a birthday gift. Before Sunrise is the first installment to a rather intelligent encounter of two complete strangers. The roles are played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who meet per chance on a train ride.

Both are reading books and their concentration is interrupted by a couple who appears to be fighting or loudly voicing opposing views. She moves away to be able to read, and sits by the young American and after a few looks of interest, they engage in conversation, producing a rather witty exchange that simply captures viewers.

They soon are involved in candidly sharing ideas, intimate views on life, past experiences and little by little they are so fascinated that she decides to stop in Vienna and spend the night getting to know one another, for he must return to the USA the next day.

Their 14 hour stop over in Vienna is great and as they walk the streets and ride the trains, we are witness to their relationship and we are enchanted to take part on what is a wonderful tour of this historic city.

The director provides a rare view to two individuals that partake in a rather poignant discussion of rather deep subjects we all confront at one point or another. We used the feature of English subtitles for the hearing impaired to make sure we would not miss a single word exchanged during the film. You are left with the impression that these two shall never meet again... and that is why we bought both, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, to see the next chapter of the lives of these two captivating human beings.

Don't miss it!


February 24, 2008

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