Overview
A chance encounter in Vienna leads to a profound connection that transcends time and distance.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- intimate
- wistful
- date night
- quiet evening
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as an intelligent, beautifully filmed, and unusually naturalistic portrait of modern love, led by the chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jesse and Céline spend their day walking through Vienna, revealing their beliefs and vulnerabilities through extended exchanges.
Jesse's scheduled flight the next morning gives their encounter a defined and emotionally urgent deadline.
An American tourist and a French student meet while traveling through central Europe and connect in Vienna.
Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy play the developing bond with relaxed, matter-of-fact chemistry across ordinary urban encounters.
Films like Before Sunrise, and why
Brief Encounter
shares an intimate, dialogue-driven romance centered on fleeting connection and emotional honesty
Certified Copy
shares a walking-and-talking structure, conversational intimacy, and wistful romantic uncertainty
Weekend
shares naturalistic performances, philosophical conversation, and a transient relationship shaped by travel
Walking and Talking
shares youthful romantic idealism, urban wandering, and emotionally candid conversation
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Linklater
- Release Date
- 1995-01-27
- Runtime
- 101 min
- Rating
- 8.0 / 10 (4881)
Cast
- Ethan Hawke
- Julie Delpy
- Andrea Eckert
- Hanno Pöschl
- Karl Bruckschwaiger
- Tex Rubinowitz
- Erni Mangold
- Dominik Castell
- Haymon Maria Buttinger
- Harold Waiglein
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Before Sunrise about?
- Two young travelers turn an overnight stop in Vienna into an unexpectedly profound test of intimacy, timing, and romantic possibility.
- What is Before Sunrise like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Before Sunrise as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Before Sunrise violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Before Sunrise.
- What did critics think of Before Sunrise?
- Critics broadly praised the film as an intelligent, beautifully filmed, and unusually naturalistic portrait of modern love, led by the chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.
- Which films are like Before Sunrise?
- Films with a similar feel include Brief Encounter, Certified Copy, Weekend, and Walking and Talking.
- How long is Before Sunrise?
- Before Sunrise runs 101 minutes.
- Where can I watch Before Sunrise?
- In United States, Before Sunrise is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
