Every week, Ultimate Movie Year looks back into the past to highlight the best film that came out that weekend.

“Before Sunrise”
Released January 27, 1995
Directed by Richard Linklater

A couple is arguing on a train. Annoyed by the distraction, Celine (Julie Delpy) gets up to sit in another part of the train. Across the aisle from her is Jesse (Ethan Hawke), and the two strike up a conversation. It’s a chance encounter that leads to the most romantic night of their lives.

“Before Sunrise,” the 1995 film directed by Richard Linklater, could have easily not worked, and it probably shouldn’t have. The movie is about two young adults who meet on a train en route to Vienna, and agree to get off together to spend the night wandering around the city with each other. When the morning comes, they’ll both resume their travel to their respective destinations. Suddenly, their “happily ever after” conclusion doesn’t seem pre-destined.