With the second installment of The Hunger Games Trilogy hitting theaters two weeks ago, I would like to reorient audiences towards the best trilogy made within the last twenty years: Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), and Before Midnight (2013). Don’t get me wrong, I thought Catching Fire (2013), was entertaining and exciting, but if one is interested in less glitz and glam, desiring a story at its essence, then Linklater’s films would come as a treat. The films star Ethan Hawke as the male protagonist, Jesse, whose character the audience first meets while he is in his very early twenties in Before Sunrise (1995). This unique trilogy was intentionally made nine years apart, each time allowing the audience briefly to first meet, then reconnect with Jesse and his love interest, Céline. With each film taking place roughly in one day, the audience is given only a snapshot of the couple’s compelling relationship. Jesse and Céline’s relationship does not hide behind the guise of traditional rom-coms whose portrayal of relationships tends to be somewhat superficial: the complexities of their relationship, no matter what phase it may be in, is real to life. Because the films are minimalistic, the dialogue between Jesse and Céline is incredible with its sincere, raw and refreshing nature, in such a way that will quietly leave you blown away. As Jesse and Céline mature together their relationship speaks to the very condition of all romantic relationships: that they are filled with ups, downs, beauty, pain, messiness, and the ability to possess magical moments. Jesse and Céline are fun, clever characters, who are all too easy to get attached to and whose relationship, despite its faults, is truly enchanting. Each film takes place against the breathtaking backdrop of a different European city: the first in Vienna, the second in Paris, and the third on the Greek Pelopennese peninsula. As of October 22nd, the final installment is now available to rent or buy. One day when you are in the mood to watch something genuine, do not forget about Jesse and Céline and allow yourself to have the pleasure of getting pulled into their journey by watching Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), or Before Midnight (2013).
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Haverford chapter.