Before Sunrise

Before Sunrise is a 1995 romantic drama film directed by Richard Linklater and co-written by Linklater and Kim Krizan. The first installment in the Before trilogy, it follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) as they meet on a Eurail train and disembark in Vienna to spend the night together.

Inspired by personal experiences, Linklater collaborated with Kim Krizan to develop the screenplay, who previously appeared in his films Slacker (1991) and Dazed and Confused (1993). Casting was extensive; it took nine months for Hawke and Delpy to be cast, with the pair also contributing uncredited rewrites. Principal photography took place entirely in Vienna.

The plot is considered minimalistic, consisting mostly of monologues and casual conversation with extended dialogue as the characters navigate Vienna. Their contrasting ideas and perspectives on life and love are detailed, with Jesse a romantic disguised as a cynic, and Céline seemingly a romantic. Before Sunrise also explores time and self-discovery.

Before Sunrise premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 1995, and was theatrically released eight days later. A modest commercial success, grossing $5.5 million against a $2.5 million budget, it received critical acclaim, particularly for its exploration of postmodern romance, the screenplay, Linklater’s direction, and acting performances. Before Sunrise also received a rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and appeared on many critics’ lists of the greatest films of the year. A sequel, Before Sunset, was released in 2004, and a third film, Before Midnight, was released in 2013.