Before Sunrise Review

One of my favorite films of all time,Before Sunrise charts the development of the bonding between two strangers, Jesse and Celine set against the culturally rich backdrop of Vienna. It is as if Vienna is almost the third character in the story. Jesse(Hawke) and Celine(Delpy) meet each other while travelling to Vienna. They have different destinations to reach,different plans and different background of broken relationships-yet instantly they get talking and slowly develop a bond. Though the title suggests a limited span of time,these people choose to keep their original plans at bay and spend the night together,roaming around Vienna. There is as if no end to the night-the time they spend together mocks at the title's apparent suggestion and they make the most of the available time. They discuss art,culture,future and existence.

There is so much naturalness in their characters and the effervescence of youth. They are impulsive and daring and casually step on the deeper aspects of their bonding. They kiss,and make love yet dare to keep themselves from sharing contacts but make a bold promise to get back to each other. The film is set like a semi-documentary and a dialogue marathon but the pace and the essence never staggers. The series of verbal exchanges are rich and profound,and realistic just like conversation between strangers. The new city,and they are travelers-there is an amalgamation of culture and ideas with these two people who are so alike,and yet so different.