'Before Sunrise' is 26 years old! Here are 9 films to watch if you loved Celine and Jesse's story
26 years ago today, Celine and Jesse departed a train together to start the journey of their lives.
The cult classic film Before Sunrise was introduced to US theatres on Jan. 27, 1995, and has since been garnering fans even more than a decade after its release.
Starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy and directed by Richard Linklater, the film follows two young people who leave behind their plans to spend an entire day roaming the streets of Vienna in an aimless, introspective romp. Since its release, the film has garnered a cult following and introduced two sequels, Before Sunset and Before Midnight.
If you loved Before Sunrise and its unique themes, here are other films that you might want to check out.
For the whirlwind romance
One thing that solidifies the Before series as one of the outstanding romantic film series is the undeniable chemistry between Hawke's Jesse and Delpy's Celine. With their endless flow of conversation and subtle body language, viewers can see the tension that comes from the two characters through the years. These films also display the sweet but striking tones of the whirlwind romance.
1. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Director: Luca Guadagnino
2. Comet (2014)
Director: Sam Esmail
3. Her (2013)
Director: Spike Jonze
For the coming-of-age introspection
Aside from its love story, Before Sunrise masterfully handles the themes of introspection through the lens of its two main characters still in their late twenties and unsure of their role in the world. These three films also handle these dilemmas while showcasing the fear and fascination of still learning how to be a proper adult.
4. Frances Ha (2013)
Director: Noah Baumbach
5. The Worst Person In The World (2022)
Director: Joachim Trier
6. Liberal Arts (2012)
Director: Josh Radnor
The internal monologue as dialogue
Finally, Linklater's wordy screenplay brings a casual but heavy tone to the entire Sunrise franchise. His own experience of meeting a stranger inspired the entire series and its shows through the vulnerable conversations between Celine and Jesse. The following, with two films directed by Linklater himself, also gives off the same stream of consciousness.