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—— The Haunting of Helena Jun 21

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—— How To Make Money Selling Drugs Jun 26
—— White House Down Jun 28
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Before Sunset (2004)

tomatometer

95

Average Rating: 8.3/10
Reviews Counted: 168
Fresh: 159 | Rotten: 9

Filled with engaging dialogue, Before Sunset is a witty, poignant romance, with natural chemistry between Hawke and Delpy.

95

Average Rating: 8.4/10
Critic Reviews: 44
Fresh: 42 | Rotten: 2

Filled with engaging dialogue, Before Sunset is a witty, poignant romance, with natural chemistry between Hawke and Delpy.

audience

89

liked it
Average Rating: 4/5
User Ratings: 64,717

My Rating

Movie Info

Richard Linklater directs the romantic drama Before Sunset, a sequel to Before Sunrise (1995). Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) were strangers who spent a loquacious night together in Vienna. Nine years later, Jesse has written a book about the encounter. During his accelerated European book tour, he reunites with Celine in Paris. Before Jesse's flight home, he joins Celine for a picturesque walk around Paris peppered with intimate conversation: at first, about the minutiae of their

R,

Drama, Romance, Comedy

Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke

Nov 9, 2004

$5.6M

Warner Independent Pictures - Official Site External Icon

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Cast

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All Critics (168) | Top Critics (44) | Fresh (159) | Rotten (9) | DVD (31)

It's a lovely, beguiling little film a rare treat during this overheated season of blockbusters. It's also an unusual example of a follow-up that doesn't seem forced, but expands effortlessly on the original.

August 8, 2012 Full Review Source: Associated Press
Associated Press
Top Critic IconTop Critic

The reunion has some lively moments, but a great deal of slow walking and fatuous talking about love, married life and sex.

August 8, 2012 Full Review Source: Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal
Top Critic IconTop Critic

At the risk of overhyping 80 minutes of intimate real-time, this is the soul of generosity, a beautifully vibrant and big-spirited film.

February 9, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out
Time Out
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Before Sunrise and Before Sunset are a rare case of two movies that rightfully demand yet another sequel.

August 1, 2004
New Yorker
Top Critic IconTop Critic

A richer experience than the original.

July 30, 2004 Full Review Source: Orlando Sentinel
Orlando Sentinel
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Mr. Linklater and his two creative leads have managed a miraculous transformation of the characters from once-callow lovers into grown-ups teetering on the edge of eternity.

July 23, 2004 Full Review Source: New York Observer
New York Observer
Top Critic IconTop Critic

A stone-cold masterpiece.

October 1, 2012 Full Review Source: Antagony & Ecstasy
Antagony & Ecstasy

Shooting in long takes, Linklater and his actors (who get co-screenwriting credit) allow the conversation to curlicue effortlessly from literate banter to matters of the heart, and sometimes to places in between.

August 8, 2012 Full Review Source: AV Club
AV Club

Charming, talky romance for older teens and adults.

December 22, 2010 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media

As a romance streaked with regrets, obligations and fears, "Sunset" builds to a wistful, perfect conclusion - a fadeout infused with the idea that a memory's never finished as long as you're alive and one of the loveliest last-line exchanges of all time.

September 25, 2010 Full Review Source: Suite101.com
Suite101.com

the film takes a miraculous healing turn at the end, and the characters rise above their ruefulness, and use it as a springboard into hope

January 17, 2010 Full Review Source: Cinemania

Well acted, very well written, well told, and bears yet another ending that will keep audiences wondering.

April 29, 2009 Full Review Source: Cinema Crazed
Cinema Crazed

Linklater, Hawke and Delpy have collaborated on the script, resulting in an enthralling snapshot of life from the point of view of two like souls who spark by just being in each other's presence.

October 18, 2008 Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile
Urban Cinefile

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have reconvened to bring us this belated, yet very welcome sequel.

December 7, 2007 Full Review Source: Eye for Film
Eye for Film

I was charmed, engaged and moved by the delightful Before Sunset, and without having re-seen the earlier picture, it has been upgraded in my mind in the light of the new one.

August 25, 2007 Full Review Source: Observer [UK]
Observer [UK]

Before Sunset retains most of what was engaging about the first movie: it has its gentleness, its romanticism and, most importantly, its idealism. What it has lost is the sense of mystery.

August 25, 2007 Full Review Source: Guardian [UK]
Guardian [UK]

A gemlike minimalist triumph -- deeper and more provocative than its predecessor.

July 23, 2007 Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com
eFilmCritic.com

However, between Delpy, Hawke, and Linklater, a script was born and once again the couple meets, this time in Paris, this time for far fewer hours (and in real time).

August 17, 2006 Full Review Source: Bangitout.com
Bangitout.com

The dialogue captivates without ever feeling forced or cinematic...

July 25, 2005 Full Review Source: www.kcactive.com

The characters eventually manage to get beyond their existential ennui and incessant talking to something approaching romance.

February 3, 2005 Full Review Source: Laramie Movie Scope
Laramie Movie Scope

The final 25 minutes of Before Sunset, starting with excruciatingly honest admissions from both parties in a car backseat, are the best filmmaking I've ever seen.

January 20, 2005 Full Review Source: Film and Felt
Film and Felt

Of course I liked it a lot, I almost loved it. I mean, I often felt like I loved it, but I'm not sure I really did or I'm not sure why. It's, like, a hard movie to argue with.

January 18, 2005 Full Review Source: Nick's Flick Picks
Nick's Flick Picks

[A]n experiment can be valuable without being successful.

January 9, 2005 Full Review Source: Blogcritics.org
Blogcritics.org

Audience Reviews for Before Sunset

*****

"Before Sunset" is probably my number 2 favorite "romantic" movie of all time("Love Actually" being number 1). This is a sequel to "Before Sunset" and takes place 9 years later(and was actually made 9 years later). Jesse(Ethan Hawke) wrote a book about his one night in Vienna with Celine(Julie Duply) and goes on a book tour to promote it. While doing interviews on the last stop in Paris, he meets up with Celine again and they spend the day walking and talking through Paris before his flight back to the states. This movie doesn't miss a beat from the first one and is just as natural and moving. There are some very funny scenes, and some scenes that will really get your mind to work. I don't know if I've ever watched a movie that makes you see yourself through characters eyes quite as good as this movie. Also, the ending of this movie is perfect. One of my favorite all time endings ever. I remember the only reason I watched this or the first one was because it was nominated for an Oscar for best Screenplay back in 2004, and I just loved it. I don't remember what won it, but this deserved it for sure! There is a third one coming out this summer that I cannot wait to see. If you haven't seen either of the "Before" movies, then you NEED to check them out. They are absolutely fantastic that anyone who has been in a good relationship, or had a brief relationship that left you with "what ifs?" should watch. One of the rare times where the sequel is better than the already amazing original.
May 30, 2013
Everett Johnson

Super Reviewer

A masterpiece. A superbly written and superbly performed picture. Smart, funny and deeply moving. A magnificent piece of romantic film-making. The actors return to the essence of their characters and show how they developed and matured over the years. A film in which discusses real situations, moments and regrets. A wonderfully bittersweet ending which makes you want to know what happens next. It's captivating and complex and you cant help but feel sucked in. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are superb, they have magnetic chemistry that works wonderfully. A tremendously compelling character piece.
February 3, 2007
allan913

Super Reviewer

    1. Celine: I'm dying inside...I'm dying because I'm so numb. I don't feel pain or excitement, I'm not even bitter, I'm just...
    2. Jesse: You think you're the one dyin' inside? My life... is 24/7 bad.
    – Submitted by Dean M (4 months ago)
    1. Celine: How have I changed?
    2. Jesse: You used to wear your hair down
    3. Celine: Oh you mean like that [releases her hair from her ponytail] What else?
    4. Jesse: You face is thinner...
    5. Celine: You mean I was fat? Oh my god you wrote a book about a fat french girl. [puts her head in between her hands]
    – Submitted by Ramzi K (6 months ago)
    1. Celine: Baby, you are gonna miss that plane.
    – Submitted by Pawan P (7 months ago)
    1. Celine: Even being alone, it's better than sitting next to a lover and feeling lonely.
    – Submitted by Pawan P (7 months ago)
    1. Jesse: Look, I am just so happy, all right, to be with you. I am. I am so glad you didn't forget about me, okay?
    2. Celine: No, I didn't. And it pisses me off, okay? You come here to Paris all romantic, and married. Okay? Screw you.
    – Submitted by Pawan P (7 months ago)
    1. Celine: Baby, you are gonna miss that plane.
    – Submitted by Justin S (12 months ago)

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Latest News on Before Sunset

June 15, 2012:
Another Before Sunrise Sequel Shooting This Summer
That's the scoop from Ethan Hawke, who says he's "sworn to secrecy" regarding further details.
November 21, 2011:
Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy Want Another Before Sunrise Movie
Hawke says "we're going to try and write it this year."
March 4, 2011:
Five Favorite Films with Malin Akerman, Kate Mara and Josh Radnor
It's a three-in-one Five Favorite Film fest today, as we sat down with the stars and writer-director...

Foreign Titles

  • Before Sunset (DE)
  • Before Sunset (UK)
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