One of the Most Perfect Movie Trilogies Ever Made Started 31 Years Ago Today

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Thirty-one years ago, a small, unassuming film unexpectedly launched one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed trilogies ever made. It’s not hyperbole to say its impact continues today, with scenes from all three movies widely shared online as insightful observations about life, relationships, and how we see the world. In a film industry that often dismisses or oversimplifies romance, this trilogy stood out by focusing on something surprisingly direct: two people having a conversation.

This film didn’t rely on dramatic surprises, a sensational score, or forced conflict. Instead, it confidently bet on compelling characters, realistic dialogue, and a focused message. And that approach proved successful.

Before Sunrise Marked the Beginning of One of the Greatest Film Trilogies of All Time

You might recognize it – or have seen a clip online. Released in 1995, Before Sunrise tells the story of Jesse, an American traveler, and Céline, a French student, who meet on a train. They impulsively decide to spend a night together in Vienna before parting ways. And that’s essentially the whole movie! But it’s a film less about big events and more about the connection between these two characters. The story unfolds through conversations, walks, and everyday moments that would usually be considered minor details.

In retrospect, the film feels like a real-life experiment, and in many ways, it was. Director Richard Linklater has shared that the story for Before Sunrise stemmed from a night he spent in Philadelphia in 1989. He met a woman and they simply walked and talked all night – an experience directly mirrored in the film’s core relationship. He aimed to recreate the feeling of that actual moment: the natural flow of conversation, the immediate connection between two people, and the lasting impact of an encounter, even if it doesn’t result in a traditional happy ending.

What makes Before Sunrise so enjoyable and enduring is its realistic portrayal of Jesse and Céline’s encounter. The film avoids presenting them as destined lovers or perfect matches, instead showing them as relatable, flawed individuals – sometimes insecure, occasionally boastful, and often charming, just like people we know. This honesty allows viewers to connect with their experience, recalling similar moments in their own lives. The film’s brilliance lies in how effortlessly the conversation flows between meaningful discussions and everyday observations, without ever feeling forced or pretentious. This naturalness is what truly makes the story feel authentic.

The film’s genuine feel isn’t a coincidence. Director Linklater consistently focuses on stories that unfold naturally, mirroring the pace of real life – a quality evident in films like Boyhood. This approach is particularly clear in Before Sunrise and its sequels. The movie doesn’t hurry through scenes, manufacture drama, or offer easy resolutions. Instead, it encourages viewers to think and feel alongside the characters. It immerses you in Jesse and Céline’s conversations, making you feel like an observer – and a part of – their connection. The film recognizes that true intimacy often arises from quiet, spontaneous moments, not grand gestures. It’s a romance that strives for realism, not extravagance.

How the Trilogy Builds a Complete Emotional Arc Across Three Movies

Nine years after the first film, Before Sunset came out, and it feels like the story wasn’t originally planned as a single movie. However, that’s not quite how it happened. The sequels developed from discussions between the director and actors after the first film gained a dedicated following. They spent years considering how to continue the story, but their main goal was to revisit the characters and show how they changed over time—which was always the central idea, focusing on emotional growth rather than specific plot points.

When Jesse and Céline unexpectedly reconnect in Paris, it changes how we view their romantic first night in Before Sunrise. What began with hopeful curiosity is now complicated by past hurts and unfulfilled expectations. Jesse has found some success as a writer, while Céline has continued building her life, but their reunion is filled with unspoken frustrations about what could have been. The second film feels incredibly immediate and pressing – not because of any dramatic plot twists, but because it highlights the limited time we all have, both in a single day and in life overall.

What makes Before Sunset so powerful is that it doesn’t idealize the reunion between the characters. The film shows that time doesn’t always improve things – it can actually make them more difficult. They honestly discuss past mistakes, lingering bitterness, and disappointments, without glossing over any of it. It’s a story about love, but also about regret and accepting that some chances are lost forever – a very realistic portrayal of life.

The final film in the trilogy, Before Midnight, came out nine years after the second and really explores the challenges of a long-term relationship. Unlike the first two films, which focused on a couple falling in love, this one shows them struggling to stay together. Set in Greece, the movie doesn’t offer a romanticized view of love; instead, it realistically portrays the wear and tear on a relationship. It features long, uncomfortable arguments that many people in long-term relationships will find relatable. There are no heroes or villains, just two people trying to navigate conflicting wants, frustrations, and expectations.

Many viewers find this last part of the story the most difficult to watch, and it’s often avoided in discussions. The creators didn’t aim to satisfy fans or protect the characters’ reputations; they prioritized truthfulness. This commitment to honesty is what makes the entire series so remarkable. It’s rare to see characters grow and change realistically over time, and this story does that beautifully.

What sets the Before trilogy (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight) apart and makes it so successful isn’t a lack of problems or drama, but a strong, consistent artistic vision. The films always stay true to their core idea, established from the start. Each installment builds upon the previous one, not by fixing anything, but by adding layers of complexity. The initially carefree love story in Before Sunrise becomes more serious in Before Sunset, and then faces the challenges of real life in Before Midnight. This emotional journey resonates with both the characters on screen and the viewers watching.

This film series demonstrated that thoughtful, character-focused movies don’t need to rely on clichés. Even more impressively, it proved that viewers will embrace stories that feel real, even if they don’t have neat, tidy resolutions.

It started over thirty years ago with a simple evening: just two people chatting and a movie that believed in the power of that connection. Surprisingly, that’s all it took.

The Before Trilogy is available on Prime Video.

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2026-01-27 22:21