Consisting of three films directed and co-created by American auteur Richard Linklater, the Before series starring Ethan Hawke as Jesse, a young man from Texas who is as shy and awkward as he is incredibly likable, and Julie Delpy, the French, intelligent, and charismatic Céline, follows the beginning of an unexpected yet incredible bond that ultimately resulted in one of the most realistic portrayals of romance in film history. Before Sunrise, the first installment, turns 27 on May 12th, and it is quite clear that this remarkable trilogy has stayed relevant for nearly three decades. The story of Jesse and Céline is told through beautiful—most importantly, extremely true-to-life—dialogues that make the audience completely in awe of the genuine connection both characters share. Linklater brilliantly creates art out of two people talking to each other for hours in the course of a night or a day. The three films, released every nine years between 1995 and 2013, are all pretty much perfect.

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While Jesse and Céline’s love story did not start in the most conventional way (a meet-cute on European train transit), the characters’ actions towards one another are deeply authentic and heartfelt from the very beginning. Throughout the years, both grew older and wiser; the audience's perceptions of romance and partnerships matured along with along with the characters'. The Before Trilogy is an essential watch for those who love any type of human connection: it invites viewers on a journey that will likely not leave anyone indifferent, teaching its audience honest and valuable lessons on love.

Thought-Provoking Discussions Are Welcome

Jesse and Celine in Before Sunrise

The entire plot of these marvelous movies relies on hours of realistic conversations between two very different yet somehow moderately similar people—it is clear that, from the very beginning, communication plays a huge role in Linklater’s films.

Through each chemistry-filled movie, several different topics are discussed: in Before Sunrise, Jesse and Céline get to know each other, sharing thoughts and views on various subjects. After nine years in Before Sunset, both find their way back to each other and catch up on their lives, igniting the flame that was still very much there. In third film Before Midnight, rich dialogue is still at the forefront, though the honeymoon phase is over. The realities of long love and commitment are sinking in.

Big Romantic Gestures Aren’t Always the Best Option

Jesse and Celine in Before Sunrise

Many romance movies send this message: in truth, things don’t always work out the way they’re originally intended to. In Before Sunrise, when Jesse walks Céline to her train back home, both characters promise to turn up in Vienna six months later, proceeding to part ways after sharing a passionate kiss.

Although their plan is amorous and dreamy, it is equally a great recipe for tragedy. Best case scenario, both characters meet again and live happily ever after. Worst case scenario, someone lost interest along the way and simply chose not to go. Worse than the worst case scenario, one of them really wanted to meet but for some reason was not able to make it. In Before Sunset, after Céline explained that the reason why she couldn’t be there was her grandma’s death, a sorrowful Jesse revealed that he showed up. Both agreed things could’ve taken a totally different turn if they had just exchanged phone numbers.

It’s Normal to Change Opinions

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy in Before Sunset
Image via Warner Independent Pictures

Before Sunset complements Before Sunrise beautifully essentially because of how easy it is to tell (besides looking relatively older) that both characters evolved mentally. Once again, viewers are met with a lot of heart-to-heart dialogues—what changes this time around is that the subjects of their conversations tend to be more political, grounded, and mature—rather than enthusiastic and philosophical.

In her 30s, Céline reveals that it is hard for her to be a romantic after being in relationships that lack meaning, while Jesse confesses that he is trapped in an unhappy marriage. There’s a contrast in Sunrise and Sunset films: the first one feels more hopeful and romantic; the second finds both characters in a more advanced phase of their lives, stumbling into a reality where the ideas of love they used to share have started to fade away.

Love Is Really Hard

Jesse and Celine in Before Midnight
Image via Sony Pictures 

When incompatibilities start to become more apparent and both have their reasons to be resentful of each other, Jesse and Céline’s relationship is often put to test. Despite everything, the couple actively chooses to make efforts in order to make their connection grow and evolve.

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Loving someone feels incredibly easy at the beginning of a relationship; you’re head over heels for that person and can’t seem to keep your hands to yourself. However, in addition to external obstacles, it is only natural for things to start changing throughout time, especially after settling down and frequently witnessing your partner’s less pleasant behavior—which usually triggers questionable feelings.

Fighting Is Crucial

Jesse and Celine in Before Midnight
Image via Sony Pictures Classics

Beginning after the central pair have married and brought two beautiful children into the world, Before Midnight initially looks like the perfect closure for the long-lasting love story. Except it is not—rather, it's the fact that it isn’t that makes it perfectly raw and real.

Oftentimes during the film conflict arises and arguments start, but the selfless way Jesse and Céline handle their disagreements is extremely vital to the maintenance of their relationship—both characters discuss what hurts them, tackling the root of the problem which results in mutual support and understanding. It sends the audience the message that disagreements are beneficial and necessary to deepen intimacy and make relationships stronger.

Perfect Relationships Don’t Exist, But Real Love Does

Jesse and Celine in Before Midnight

“If you want true love,” Jesse says to Céline in the last film. “Then this is it. This is real life. It’s not perfect. But it’s real.” And no other quote sums up the Before series’ wonderful, brutally honest storyline better. Though it comes as no surprise to anyone that relationships aren’t always rainbows and butterflies, these movies successfully depict what healthy, well-founded connections built out of vulnerability and communication look like.

According to Ethan Hawke, Before Sunrise ponders what “might be”, Before Sunset revolves around what “could or should be”, and Before Midnight is about “what is”. Throughout the journey of these beloved characters, viewers witness love flourish, expand, and eventually reach its fullest potential. Differing from the fantasy characters envisioned when they were young and reckless, Jesse and Céline’s relationship is flawed and harsh at times. But that is exactly what makes it genuine.

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