Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Ethan Hawke | ... | Jesse | |
Julie Delpy | ... | Céline | |
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Andrea Eckert | ... | Wife on Train |
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Hanno Pöschl | ... | Husband on Train |
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Karl Bruckschwaiger | ... | Guy on Bridge |
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Tex Rubinowitz | ... | Guy on Bridge |
Erni Mangold | ... | Palm Reader | |
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Dominik Castell | ... | Street Poet |
Haymon Maria Buttinger | ... | Bartender | |
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Harald Waiglein | ... | Guitarist in Club |
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Bilge Jeschim | ... | Belly Dancer |
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Kurti | ... | Percussionist |
Hans Weingartner | ... | Cafe Patron | |
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Liese Lyon | ... | Cafe Patron |
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Peter Ily Huemer | ... | Cafe Patron |
American tourist Jesse and French student Celine meet by chance on the train from Budapest to Vienna. Sensing that they are developing a connection, Jesse asks Celine to spend the day with him in Vienna, and she agrees. So they pass the time before his scheduled flight the next morning together. How do two perfect strangers connect so intimately over the course of a single day? What is that special thing that bonds two people so strongly? As their bond turns to love, what will happen to them the next morning when Jesse flies away? Written by randywong70@comcast.net
This movie is intelligent. That is, more than most other movies, it transcends the least common denominator - stupid people will probably not appreciate it. The story also relies heavily on dialogue. It has some parallels to Lost in Translation, although Before Sunrise is much brighter, somehow less abstract, and simply a lot better.
The script, the characters and even the slightly surreal atmosphere feel totally realistic. The actors play absolutely brilliantly. Rarely have I seen a movie where the script and the acting has melted this perfectly together.
The dialogue moves into very personal issues, with the risk of becoming a little over the top. It does, however, stay on the right side almost all the time, although I found a few moments a little awkward and embarrassing. Balancing on this fine line demands outrageously talented actors. Sometimes, it yields great results, and overall this movie is simply stupendous! Only very, very rarely is "love" in films depicted in a way that I find trustworthy and realistic. Every time that is achieved, the result is fantastic. I think the stunning and apparently timeless beauty of the female lead actress helped quite a bit in this respect. She still looks stunning in this film, 12 years after.
This is simply a gem of a movie that you can't miss. One of the best movies I have seen from the 1990s!