Before Sunrise

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1:39

Before Sunrise

R

Released Jan 27, 1995

1h 41m

Romance

Drama

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Popcornmeter

100%

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51 Reviews

93%

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50,000+ Ratings

On his way to Vienna, American Jesse (Ethan Hawke) meets Celine (Julie Delpy), a student returning to Paris. After long conversations forge a surprising connection between them, Jesse convinces Celine to get off the train with him in Vienna. Since his flight to the U.S. departs the next morning and he has no money for lodging, they wander the city together, taking in the experiences of Vienna and each other. As the night progresses, their bond makes separating in the morning a difficult choice.

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Critics Consensus

Thought-provoking and beautifully filmed, Before Sunrise is an intelligent, unabashedly romantic look at modern love, led by marvelously natural performances from Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

It is the lightness of this film which is still charming; Jesse and Céline are free from everything, free from work worries or family cares, but they are also free from the gravity of cause-and-effect, the world of consequences and responsibilities.

Rated: 5/5

Jan 31, 2025

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Anthony Lane

The New Yorker

The charm—the midsummer enchantment—never feels forced; it steals up and wins you. A true romance.

Jul 18, 2022

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Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

Agreeably alluring.

Rated: B+

May 3, 2005

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JD Duran

InSession Film

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are incredible in this film. The chemistry they have in palpable and the energy is always flowing...

Rated: A+

Aug 20, 2024

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Utterly charming.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 19, 2024

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

One of the truly great American films of the 1990s.

Rated: 10/10

Dec 5, 2023

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Audience Member

Light-hearted, a little bittersweet, smart dialogues and relatable characters. A landmark coming-of-age romance.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/27/25

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Melissa P

This move was like no other love story I have ever seen. It was so deep, raw,& realistic. It had so many real emotions and thoughts. Both of the characters were so intelligent and interesting. Truly a masterpiece. 111/10.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/23/25

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Violet H

Such a beautiful movie, captures first love and romance in such a natural way. Absolutely breathtaking

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/21/25

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Benyam E

Poetic and profound dialog, enchanting couple.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/07/25

Full Review

Winsy Winsky W

A beautiful, quiet film that captures the magic of a chance connection. Before Sunrise is all about the conversations—natural, thoughtful, and honest. It doesn’t rely on big plot twists or drama, just two people wandering through a city and getting to know each other. The chemistry between the leads is effortless, and the film does a great job showing how meaningful one night can be. It’s simple but powerful—definitely one of those films that stays with you. If you enjoy dialogue-driven stories and subtle emotion, this one’s worth your time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/16/25

Full Review

Stephen C

1 hour and 41 minutes of romance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ages 17 and older!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starring Ethan Hawke as Jesse!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $4,700,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

Full Review

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Richard Linklater

Director

Ethan Hawke

Jesse

Julie Delpy

Celine

Erni Mangold

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Hanno Poeschl

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Karl Bruckschwaiger

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Before Sunrise: Trailer 1

1:39

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Synopsis

On his way to Vienna, American Jesse (Ethan Hawke) meets Celine (Julie Delpy), a student returning to Paris. After long conversations forge a surprising connection between them, Jesse convinces Celine to get off the train with him in Vienna. Since his flight to the U.S. departs the next morning and he has no money for lodging, they wander the city together, taking in the experiences of Vienna and each other. As the night progresses, their bond makes separating in the morning a difficult choice.

Director: Richard Linklater
Producer: Anne Walker-McBay
Screenwriter: Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan
Production Co: Detour Filmproduction, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Castle Rock Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Romance, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 27, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 3, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.7M
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Surround

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