Before Sunset (2004)
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.
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.
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Average Rating: 4/5
User Ratings: 64,219
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
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Cast
-
Ethan Hawke
Jesse -
Julie Delpy
Celine -
Vernon Dobtcheff
Bookstore Manager -
Louise Lemoine Torres
Journalist #1 -
Rodolphe Pauly
Journalist #2 -
Marianne Plasteig
Waitress -
Diabolo
Philippe -
Albert Delpy
Man at Grill -
Marie Pillet
Woman in Courtyard
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All Critics (168) | Top Critics (44) | Fresh (166) | Rotten (10) | 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.
The reunion has some lively moments, but a great deal of slow walking and fatuous talking about love, married life and sex.
At the risk of overhyping 80 minutes of intimate real-time, this is the soul of generosity, a beautifully vibrant and big-spirited film.
Top CriticBefore Sunrise and Before Sunset are a rare case of two movies that rightfully demand yet another sequel.
A richer experience than the original.
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.
A stone-cold masterpiece.
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.
A realistic romance of disillusionment, bitterness and heartbreak. A fine film of, for and by middle age.
Charming romance for older teens and adults only.
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.
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
Well acted, very well written, well told, and bears yet another ending that will keep audiences wondering.
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.
Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have reconvened to bring us this belated, yet very welcome sequel.
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.
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.
A gemlike minimalist triumph -- deeper and more provocative than its predecessor.
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).
The dialogue captivates without ever feeling forced or cinematic...
Audience Reviews for Before Sunset
Super Reviewer
It builds on its predecessor, bringing with it the disappointment and responsibility of life, tackling love from yet another angle. The revelation that both have moved on, triggered by a non-event, living satisfactory, but empty lives is tragic. The recollecting of the past decade coupled with their present joy creates a bitter-sweet tone throughout, while that ending can bring only hope!
Super Reviewer
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- 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...
- Jesse: You think you're the one dyin' inside? My life... is 24/7 bad.
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- Celine: How have I changed?
- Jesse: You used to wear your hair down
- Celine: Oh you mean like that [releases her hair from her ponytail] What else?
- Jesse: You face is thinner...
- 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]
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- Celine: Baby, you are gonna miss that plane.
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- Celine: Even being alone, it's better than sitting next to a lover and feeling lonely.
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- 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?
- Celine: No, I didn't. And it pisses me off, okay? You come here to Paris all romantic, and married. Okay? Screw you.
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- Celine: Baby, you are gonna miss that plane.
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Latest News on Before Sunset
June 15, 2012:
Another Before Sunrise Sequel Shooting This SummerThat'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 MovieHawke says "we're going to try and write it this year."
March 4, 2011:
Five Favorite Films with Malin Akerman, Kate Mara and Josh RadnorIt's a three-in-one Five Favorite Film fest today, as we sat down with the stars and writer-director...
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