Release CalendarTop 250 MoviesMost Popular MoviesBrowse Movies by GenreTop Box OfficeShowtimes & TicketsMovie NewsIndia Movie Spotlight
    What's on TV & StreamingTop 250 TV ShowsMost Popular TV ShowsBrowse TV Shows by GenreTV News
    What to WatchLatest TrailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily Entertainment GuideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsCannes Film FestivalStar WarsAsian Pacific American Heritage MonthSummer Watch GuideSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll Events
    Born TodayMost Popular CelebsCelebrity News
    Help CenterContributor ZonePolls
For Industry Professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign In
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

Before Sunrise

  • 1995
  • R
  • 1h 41m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
359K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,127
60
Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy in Before Sunrise (1995)
Trailer for Before Sunrise
Play trailer1:46
4 Videos
99+ Photos
ComedyDramaRomance

A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.

  • Director
    • Richard Linklater
  • Writers
    • Richard Linklater
    • Kim Krizan
  • Stars
    • Ethan Hawke
    • Julie Delpy
    • Andrea Eckert
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.1/10
    359K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    1,127
    60
    • Director
      • Richard Linklater
    • Writers
      • Richard Linklater
      • Kim Krizan
    • Stars
      • Ethan Hawke
      • Julie Delpy
      • Andrea Eckert
    • 689User reviews
    • 155Critic reviews
    • 79Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #189
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 7 nominations total

    Videos4

    Before Sunrise
    Trailer 1:46
    Before Sunrise
    'Before Sunrise' | Anniversary Mashup
    Clip 1:29
    'Before Sunrise' | Anniversary Mashup
    'Before Sunrise' | Anniversary Mashup
    Clip 1:29
    'Before Sunrise' | Anniversary Mashup
    Before Sunrise: Q & A
    Clip 1:54
    Before Sunrise: Q & A
    Dates in Movie & TV History: June 16, 1994 - 'Before Sunrise'
    Video 2:32
    Dates in Movie & TV History: June 16, 1994 - 'Before Sunrise'

    Photos114

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 108
    View Poster

    Top cast30

    Edit
    Ethan Hawke
    Ethan Hawke
    • Jesse
    Julie Delpy
    Julie Delpy
    • Céline
    Andrea Eckert
    • Wife on Train
    Hanno Pöschl
    • Husband on Train
    Karl Bruckschwaiger
    • Guy on Bridge
    Tex Rubinowitz
    • Guy on Bridge
    Erni Mangold
    Erni Mangold
    • Palm Reader
    Dominik Castell
    • Street Poet
    Haymon Maria Buttinger
    Haymon Maria Buttinger
    • Bartender
    Harald Waiglein
    • Guitarist in Club
    Bilge Jeschim
    • Belly Dancer
    Kurti
    • Percussionist
    Hans Weingartner
    Hans Weingartner
    • Cafe Patron
    Liese Lyon
    • Cafe Patron
    Peter Ily Huemer
    • Cafe Patron
    Otto Reiter
    • Cafe Patron
    Hubert Fabian Kulterer
    • Cafe Patron
    Branko Andric
    • Cafe Patron
    • Director
      • Richard Linklater
    • Writers
      • Richard Linklater
      • Kim Krizan
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews689

    8.1359K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Before Sunrise' is acclaimed for its authentic romance, deep conversations, and the compelling chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. The minimalist plot and lack of traditional conflict highlight the emotional journey and introspective dialogue. Vienna's picturesque setting enhances the romantic atmosphere, while the film's exploration of fleeting love resonates deeply. Its simplicity and unconventional structure make it a standout romantic film.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    9The_Void

    Casablanca for the 1990's - pure cinematic gold

    Before Sunrise is romance for the slacker generation. Richard Linklater's romantic drama is an offbeat telling of a dream come true for most people. The film depicts romance in all it's glory, but without any of the pitfalls that befall most couples; and in short the film is about two people that have a relationship that's as close to perfection as relationships will ever come to - with just one problem, the problem of time. While most relationships wind down with time, this one keeps going strong throughout and time itself is the only thing that wears out. Before Sunrise is certainly not the typical sentimental 'Hollywood romance', which is another aspect that puts this film leagues ahead of the pretenders. The story follows two people, Jesse; an American and Celine; a French girl that meet on a train into Vienna. They instantly connect, and after telling her his awful idea for a television show and almost getting off the train, Jesse asks Celine to join him for the day in the picturesque city of Vienna...

    Before Sunrise works principally for two reasons - realistic acting and an immense script that builds the characters through their thoughts and feelings and thus allows us to get to know them as we do the people in real life. This allows the characters to be free, and it's easy to believe that these are real people and not just actors working from a script. This also allows us to feel for the characters for who they are, and not merely because they're the protagonists. This kind of realism is hard to capture as, at the end of the day, we as the audience know that they're watching a film and not observing real life; but Before Sunrise represents one of the truest to life exhibitions of realism ever to be seen on screen. A truly great script cannot work on it's own, and needs great actors to deliver it to an extent that does it justice, and although I'm not a fan of either Julie Deply or Ethan Hawke; on viewing this film, there is nothing you can do but give them both respect. I don't know whether they were in character or just playing themselves, but when a film is this good; it hardly matters.

    In a film like this, it is the writing that's the most important thing, and contained within the script are several observations about life, most of which I personally could relate to. This represents what Richard Linklater has achieved with this script as not only does it create and build the characters, but it also manages to expose what true love is, along with several other aspects of life. The fact that not all the anecdotes are relatable to me personally again represents the brilliance of writing. Everyone is different, and so different parts of the script will appeal to different people. There could be certain aspects about one person that one person loves and another hates; and that's the case with the musings in this script. Adding to the beauty of the film is the city of Vienna. The city itself isn't really important to the film as this is a story that could have taken place just about anywhere - but it makes for some lovely visuals and the upbeat, energetic romance that blossoms throughout the movie is matched by the beauty of the location.

    Before Sunrise is simultaneously beautiful and captivating. Richard Linklater has created something that is rare in the world of cinema; a film that captures the beauty of life without ever going over the top or being overly sentimental. Before Sunrise is what it is. And what it is, is pure cinematic brilliance.
    8SnoopyStyle

    refreshing first date

    American tourist Jesse (Ethan Hawke) meets French student Celine (Julie Delpy) on the train. He talks her into getting off and walk around in Vienna. They walk the night away.

    I really love this movie when it first came out. There was no hint of the following sequels. It's just a great charming first date movie. The leads have great chemistry. They are both charming and lovely. This is a lot of first-date talk. It doesn't get tie down by artificial plot elements. There is nothing to drive the plot. There is no Holy Grail. There is no quest. There is no destination. There are just two people talking and trying to connect. It stops and starts. They meet two oddly funny Germans who invite them to their play. In a more conventional movie, they would actually go to this play. They forget to go and that's kind of the point. Their journey meanders without much direction. There are also great scenes of long continuous takes. Director Linklater just let the actors go on forever on the streetcar. The whole movie feels refreshing.
    Look Closer

    Why we go the movies...

    What an incredibly brave and honest look at relationships. I've have never seen a film so precisely and brilliantly capture this kind of emotion and transfer it to the screen the way Before Sunrise does. What a crime that neither Ethan Hawke or Julie Delpy was nominated for any major acting awards, actually screw that! What a crime it was that they didn't both sweep every major acting award altogether and that Richard Linklater didn't get any recognition for the screenwriting or brilliant directing of his wonderful actors! Loved the ending (as much as it pained me at the same time), loved how after it all they go back and show every location that the couple shared together. Loved how the dialogue never wavers, never addressing the relationship directly but allows us to indirectly see a geniune bond forming through the body language, facial expressions, and the dialogue, ooooohhh the dialogue. Every bit of it plucked right from those top ten late night conversations we've all had with close friends whether it was serious or in jest. And respect to Linklater for keepin it real, the movie was rated R cause of a couple minor swear words? Could of easily been removed without really desecrating the film but he keeps it in anyways. Screw you hollywood, your 'romantic comedies', your Freddie Prinze Jr.'s, your 'take the glasses off the girl and now she's pretty' movies. This is real romance! This is what I come to the movies for, to think, to be provoked and to be swept away by the magic that only cinema can provide. Before Sunrise has single-handedly reminded me about why I goto the movies......
    9Galina_movie_fan

    "Isn't everything we do in life a way to be loved a little more?"

    Sweet and charming, funny and poignant, plot less but meaningful, "Before Sunrise" (1995), the third movie of Richard Linklater, is dedicated to everyone who ever been in love, is in love, or never been in love but still dreams of it and hopes to find it. It is one of the very rare movies that is/should/will be equally interesting to teenagers, their parents and even grandparents. It seems a very simple little movie with no spectacular visual effects, car chases, or long and steamy sex scenes. Two young people in their early 20s, two college students (American tourist Ethan Hawke who is returning home after the summer in Europe and the French student Julie Delpy who goes to Paris to attend the classes in Sorbonne) meet on a train. They are attracted to each other instantly even before they start talking, they hop off the train in Vienna where they walk around exploring the city all night. They talk and fall in love. That's it, that's the movie. It could've been boring and silly but instead, it is a lovely, believable, clever, and moving romance that only gets better with each viewing (at least, for this viewer). High praise and my sincere gratitude go to the director and writers for delivering two charming characters, superb writing, always interesting and witty dialogs, two awesome performances, and the atmosphere of magic that falling in love is. Julie Delpy, who looks like a Botticelli's angel, is great in portraying smart, independent, and incredibly attractive young woman.
    9Fpi

    One of those few movies that actually - ACTUALLY - feel like real life

    This movie is intelligent. That is, more than most other movies, it transcends the least common denominator - stupid people will probably not appreciate it. The story also relies heavily on dialogue. It has some parallels to Lost in Translation, although Before Sunrise is much brighter, somehow less abstract, and simply a lot better.

    The script, the characters and even the slightly surreal atmosphere feel totally realistic. The actors play absolutely brilliantly. Rarely have I seen a movie where the script and the acting has melted this perfectly together.

    The dialogue moves into very personal issues, with the risk of becoming a little over the top. It does, however, stay on the right side almost all the time, although I found a few moments a little awkward and embarrassing. Balancing on this fine line demands outrageously talented actors. Sometimes, it yields great results, and overall this movie is simply stupendous! Only very, very rarely is "love" in films depicted in a way that I find trustworthy and realistic. Every time that is achieved, the result is fantastic. I think the stunning and apparently timeless beauty of the female lead actress helped quite a bit in this respect. She still looks stunning in this film, 12 years after.

    This is simply a gem of a movie that you can't miss. One of the best movies I have seen from the 1990s!

    More like this

    Before Sunset
    8.1
    Before Sunset
    Before Midnight
    7.9
    Before Midnight
    In the Name of the Father
    8.1
    In the Name of the Father
    12 Years a Slave
    8.1
    12 Years a Slave
    Barry Lyndon
    8.1
    Barry Lyndon
    The Gold Rush
    8.1
    The Gold Rush
    Sherlock Jr.
    8.2
    Sherlock Jr.
    Memories of Murder
    8.1
    Memories of Murder
    Gone Girl
    8.1
    Gone Girl
    Wild Tales
    8.1
    Wild Tales
    Million Dollar Baby
    8.1
    Million Dollar Baby
    Ben-Hur
    8.1
    Ben-Hur

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The idea for the movie came from the backgrounds of both Richard Linklater and Kim Krizan. Linklater spent a night walking around Philadelphia with Amy, a woman he randomly met. Krizan rode around Europe on trains meeting people and on one trip met a Norwegian man on the way to Paris, and ended up walking around the city all night much like Before Sunrise (1995). Krizan has never revealed whether or not they had a romance that night and they lost contact.

      Linklater and Amy stayed in touch for a while, until contact was lost and he never heard from her again. It was not until 2010 that Linklater found out that Amy had died in a traffic accident before the release of Before Sunrise (1995), the first film in the trilogy. Krizan has never re-connected with the Norwegian man that was her inspiration for the famous night of walking around a European city.
    • Goofs
      Jesse and Celine walk towards the back of the train heading for the dining car. As they enter the dining car, the train is now traveling in the opposite direction, backwards.
    • Quotes

      Celine: Isn't everything we do in life a way to be loved a little more?

    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Miami Rhapsody/Federal Hill/Before Sunrise/A Man of No Importance/Safe Passage (1995)
    • Soundtracks
      Dido And Aeneas
      Overture

      Composed by Henry Purcell

      Performed by Academy of the Begynhof, Amsterdam

      Courtesy of Globe-Klass Posthuma Productions

      By Arrangement with Qualiton Imports and Source/Q

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    FAQ21

    • How long is Before Sunrise?Powered by Alexa
    • What are the albums that the Jesse character flips through in the record shop scene?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 27, 1995 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • Austria
    • Languages
      • English
      • German
      • French
    • Also known as
      • Antes del amanecer
    • Filming locations
      • Café Sperl, Gumpendorfer Strasse 11, Vienna, Austria(telephone role-play scene)
    • Production companies
      • Castle Rock Entertainment
      • Detour Filmproduction
      • Filmhaus Wien Universa Filmproduktions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $2,500,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $5,535,405
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $1,423,537
      • Jan 29, 1995
    • Gross worldwide
      • $6,568,450
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 41 minutes
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby SR
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

    Related news

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy in Before Sunrise (1995)
    Top Gap
    What is the streaming release date of Before Sunrise (1995) in Mexico?
    Answer
    • See more gaps
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb app
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb app
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb app
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.