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.
liked it
Average Rating: 4/5
User Ratings: 64,717
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
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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 (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.
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.
Charming, talky romance for older teens and adults.
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.
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.
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.
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...
The characters eventually manage to get beyond their existential ennui and incessant talking to something approaching romance.
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.
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.
[A]n experiment can be valuable without being successful.
Audience Reviews for Before Sunset
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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Featured
Movie: ID: 12908 Title: Before Sunset Release Date: 2004-07-02 00:00:00.0 MPAA: 4 Status: 1
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Foreign Titles
- Before Sunset (DE)
- Before Sunset (UK)
"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.