Overview
A fleeting encounter in Paris reignites a long-lost connection, leading to profound conversations about love and life.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- witty
- wistful
- intimate
- date night
- quiet evening
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a deeply engaging and unusually naturalistic romantic drama elevated by its witty dialogue and the nuanced chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jesse and Céline have only the interval before Jesse's flight to revisit their history and assess their present connection.
The film's central movement consists of Jesse and Céline walking and talking through philosophies of life, love, memory, and regret.
Jesse's bestselling book is based on his earlier day with Céline, while his public account conceals the relationship's personal source.
The reunion is emotionally charged by the knowledge of their missed six-month meeting and the imminent separation created by Jesse's flight.
Films like Before Sunset, and why
Before Sunrise
conversational romance centered on emotional intimacy, missed opportunities, and a limited reunion window
The Lunchbox
mature romantic drama built from candid dialogue, unresolved longing, and a reunion between former lovers
Weekend
intimate relationship drama using walking conversations and emotional honesty to explore love and life choices
Brief Encounter
witty, reflective romance focused on memory, timing, and the fragile possibility of reconnection
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Linklater
- Release Date
- 2004-06-16
- Runtime
- 80 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (3935)
Cast
- Ethan Hawke
- Julie Delpy
- Vernon Dobtcheff
- Louise Lemoine Torrès
- Rodolphe Pauly
- Mariane Plasteig
- Diabolo
- Denis Evrard
- Albert Delpy
- Marie Pillet
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- 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 Sunset about?
- A successful American author and an environmental activist get one charged hour in Paris to confront the love and missed chances that have defined their adult lives.
- What is Before Sunset like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Before Sunset as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Before Sunset violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Before Sunset.
- What did critics think of Before Sunset?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a deeply engaging and unusually naturalistic romantic drama elevated by its witty dialogue and the nuanced chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.
- Which films are like Before Sunset?
- Films with a similar feel include Before Sunrise, The Lunchbox, Weekend, and Brief Encounter.
- How long is Before Sunset?
- Before Sunset runs 80 minutes.
- Where can I watch Before Sunset?
- In United States, Before Sunset is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
