Before Sunrise

About This Movie

Before Sunrise is really something special. Richard Linklater captures a kind of magic with his naturalistic dialogue and the way he lets the chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy unfold. The pacing is leisurely, almost unhurried, mirroring their midnight stroll through Vienna’s streets. It’s less about plot and more about the layers of conversation and connection. You get a real sense of the characters’ hopes, dreams, and doubts, all while the beautiful backdrop of the city acts almost like a character itself. The film feels intimate, like eavesdropping on a deep, honest conversation that we all wish we could have. There’s something distinctly raw and genuine about it that makes it stand out.

Filmed on location in Vienna over 14 daysLow budget: $2.5 million, shot on 16mm filmImprovisational script, with a focus on natural dialogueReleased in the U.S. on January 27, 1995