
Sunrise
1927, Romance/Drama, 1h 50m
60 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Boasting masterful cinematography to match its well-acted, wonderfully romantic storyline, Sunrise is perhaps the final -- and arguably definitive -- statement of the silent era. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesSunrise Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
The Man (Anses)
The Wife (Indre)
The Woman from the City
The Maid
The Photographer
The Barber
News & Interviews for Sunrise
Critic Reviews for Sunrise
All Critics (60) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (59) | Rotten (1)
-
Any one who prefers an intelligent and stimulating film to the usual trash is urged to go and see it for himself.
September 4, 2020 | Full Review… -
From two points of view, Sunrise is among the most remarkable films that have ever been flashed on the screen. One is the rich, sensitive beauty of the photography;, the other 'he tragic tenseness of the story.
February 6, 2020 | Full Review… -
The film is electric: overwhelmingly passionate and sexual.
December 20, 2017 | Full Review… -
Rich, strange and gorgeous, F.W. Murnau's Sunrise shows what an artist of the late silent era could accomplish cinematically, backed by an open checkbook and fueled by the highest aspirations even in the simplest of morality tales.
February 25, 2014 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review… -
For his Hollywood dbut, in 1927, the German director F. W. Murnau brought a slender story to life with a breathtaking display of cinematic virtuosity, creating one of the masterworks of the art form.
February 25, 2014 | Full Review… -
F.W. Murnau's career-peak nova, the crowning film from that sacred, edge-of-the-abyss year of 1927.
March 31, 2010 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Sunrise
-
Jan 10, 2018Director F.W. Murnau made an outstanding film in 'Sunrise', which is an emotional drama and real visual treat. The story of temptation is simple and stripped down to the point of not even having character names for the principals (The Man, The Wife, and The Woman From the City), but the theme is timeless, and Murnau wastes no time getting to the tension. The simplicity may bother some, but I liked how tight the storytelling was. We really don't know which way the story is going to go, and at different times find ourselves horrified, touched, and even tickled during moments of levity. Janet Gaynor delivers a strong performance, and demonstrated real range to earn the first ever Oscar for best actress. She is very cute in the scenes where she's playful, such as when she dances with her husband. George O'Brien and Margaret Livingston are solid too, but what makes the film truly special is how far ahead of its time it was in its direction. Murnau uses overlays, imagined sequences, interesting camera angles, and flat-out beautiful cinematography from Charles Rosher and Karl Struss, and there are brilliant shots in the moonlight, on the water, and in the city. Poignant and artistic, this is one not to miss.Antonius B Super Reviewer
-
Apr 07, 2013At his mistress's command, a man takes his wife on a boat ride in order to kill her, but he decides against it, and they have a lovely afternoon together. While the cinematography is quite charming and the superimposed images were probably revolutionary and striking in their time, the story of <i>Sunrise</i> is streamlined and not that interesting. We know early that the man isn't going to kill his wife, so there isn't any suspense on the boat, and what follows lacks any real, compelling conflict. Overall, for its technical achievements, <i>Sunrise</i> has been rightly praised, but its emotional effect is pretty close to nil.Jim H Super Reviewer
-
Jun 23, 2012The ultimate silent film, released right after the talkies had already become a reality. Featuring some splendid superimpositions and impossible camera movements, this wonderful movie is both an impressive technical achievement and a beautiful story about love.Carlos M Super Reviewer
-
Dec 10, 2011Quite simply beautiful. One of very few honest and poignant true love stories in cinema. It is very slow paced but highly worthwhile for its moments of romance, humour, tragedy and beauty. Murnau created a timeless silent film that stands up as perhaps one of the greatest films ever made.Shauna R Super Reviewer
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans Quotes
There are no approved quotes yet for this movie.
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified