Featured Audience Ratings

• Al S

  
  A masterpiece. A superbly written and superbly performed picture. Smart, funny and deeply moving. A magnificent piece of romantic film-making. The actors return to the essence of their characters and show how they developed and matured over the years. A film in which discusses real… More
  A masterpiece. A superbly written and superbly performed picture. Smart, funny and deeply moving. A magnificent piece of romantic film-making. The actors return to the essence of their characters and show how they developed and matured over the years. A film in which discusses real situations, moments and regrets. A wonderfully bittersweet ending which makes you want to know what happens next. It's captivating and complex and you cant help but feel sucked in. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are superb, they have magnetic chemistry that works wonderfully. A tremendously compelling character piece.

• c0up  

  
  'Before Sunset'. This sequel carries through everything that is right and good about those long walks, intellectual conversations and natural, wonderful chemistry. It builds on its predecessor, bringing with it the disappointment and responsibility of life, tackling love… More
  'Before Sunset'. This sequel carries through everything that is right and good about those long walks, intellectual conversations and natural, wonderful chemistry. It builds on its predecessor, bringing with it the disappointment and responsibility of life, tackling love from yet another angle. The revelation that both have moved on, triggered by a non-event, living satisfactory, but empty lives is tragic. The recollecting of the past decade coupled with their present joy creates a bitter-sweet tone throughout, while that ending can bring only hope!

• Liam G

  
  Just like ''Before Sunrise'', the sequel works beautifully through the great script and electrifying chemistry between Hawke and Delpy. The rich characters and the way it's effortlessly crafted make ''Before Sunset'' a spell-binding… More
  Just like ''Before Sunrise'', the sequel works beautifully through the great script and electrifying chemistry between Hawke and Delpy. The rich characters and the way it's effortlessly crafted make ''Before Sunset'' a spell-binding romance...and the ending is just perfection.

• Jonathan H

  
  In 1994, Richard Linklater told us the story of two young people -- Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy -- meeting in Vienna, getting to know each other, and falling in love in Before Sunrise. Nine years later, Celine and Jesse met again, and they continued the conversation that they started… More
  In 1994, Richard Linklater told us the story of two young people -- Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy -- meeting in Vienna, getting to know each other, and falling in love in Before Sunrise. Nine years later, Celine and Jesse met again, and they continued the conversation that they started almost a decade prior. It is rare that a sequel manages to stand above the original, but Before Sunset is just such a film. Also, incredibly enough, this film manages to elevate its predecessor as well: some of the flaws of Sunrise, I know realize, were intentional. It's a true testament to amazing writing -- the conversations, much like the characters, have evolved. They are more measured, emotionally astute, but brilliantly enough, they are never void of the raw yearning for love and connection that has made these films resonate with so many people. Like its predecessor, Before Sunset is short on plot and heavy on the dialogue, following Celine and Jesse through Paris as the latter kills time before flying back to the States; he has finished a book tour through Europe to promote his new novel, written about his encounter with Celine. But the conversation has changed in this continuation of the first film; they talk about how their lives unfolded in the interim between first meeting and reuniting. The change in the discussion is natural given the time that has gone by, and it's challenging material for anyone, single or otherwise. The unflinching examination of relationships and unrequited love is told with incredible technical proficiency; it is shot in real-time using long, uninterrupted takes that go on for as long as seven minutes before cutting to a new shot. Capturing actors talking to each other for that long is a feat in itself, but doing so as said actors walk through a crowded city street is nothing short of a marvel. There may be films in this decade with more panache and flair, but I guarantee you will find few that boast the same level of technical artistry. Much has been made about the ending, but I found it to be PERFECT. The slow fade, the utter charm of Celine's Nina Simone impression, the ambiguity, and the wonderful look in Jesse's eyes as his youth, hope and happiness come rushing back to him while watching Celine dancing and singing (foreshadowed in the opening scene). Of course Hawke and Delpy are sublime. This film requires incredibly subtle acting, and these are Oscar worthy performances that weren't recognized. Why? Because they are not showy. But don't be mistaken: this is acting at its finest. Much of this film, like life, is acted with the eyes. Witness how Hawke stares at Delpy as she discusses her failed relationships on the ferry, or the sadness and longing in Delpy's eyes as she sings her love song. I contend that this film is better than the first, because it provides a more unique perspective. In Sunset, we see the sobering effects of age and disappointment etched in their faces and clouding their lives. There is more at stake here, for they are nine years older, have made their share of mistakes, feel imprisoned by responsibilities, and must confront their shortcomings and problems. This is how European Cinema used to be -- and Hollywood, too for that matter. Naturally real and magical in the details. An amazing achievement.

• Wildaly M

  
  Perfect sequel. Not many like this one.

• Paulo G

  
  A great sequel that lives up to the expectations of the first. Before Sunset, like the first, is both heartfelt and sweet, but what makes this different is its more mature take on love, mainly on choices pertaining to it, love lost and found. Delphy and Hawke also matures along with… More
  A great sequel that lives up to the expectations of the first. Before Sunset, like the first, is both heartfelt and sweet, but what makes this different is its more mature take on love, mainly on choices pertaining to it, love lost and found. Delphy and Hawke also matures along with the movie but still retaining the same old great chemistry of the first which made this movie work in the first place.

• paul o

  
  I saw this before Before Sunrise and that may have changed my perspective on this film. I was completely unknown about the lover's previous relationship but in the end, a lot is shown about the beautiful bond between these two lovers. It shows off Paris while giving us a nice… More
  I saw this before Before Sunrise and that may have changed my perspective on this film. I was completely unknown about the lover's previous relationship but in the end, a lot is shown about the beautiful bond between these two lovers. It shows off Paris while giving us a nice story on the side. Julie Delpy shines and helps bring out Ethan Hawke's talents. Its a great watch and another film to remember Richard Linklater by.

• Steven C

  
  "Before Sunset" is everything I want from a sequel. Here is a magnificent, real time, sequel to one of the independent masterpieces of the 1990s. The film is tinged with a sweet melancholy and explores the nature of memory and the lasting effects of connection. Transcendent… More
  "Before Sunset" is everything I want from a sequel. Here is a magnificent, real time, sequel to one of the independent masterpieces of the 1990s. The film is tinged with a sweet melancholy and explores the nature of memory and the lasting effects of connection. Transcendent and deeply moving, "Before Sunset" was the finest film of 2004.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"Memory is a wonderful thing if you don't have to deal with the past."</i> It's nine years after Jesse and Celine first met; now, they encounter one another on the French leg of Jesse's book tour. <center><font size=+2… More
  <i>"Memory is a wonderful thing if you don't have to deal with the past."</i> It's nine years after Jesse and Celine first met; now, they encounter one another on the French leg of Jesse's book tour. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> Filmmaker Richard Linklater reunites with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy in this follow-up to their romantic comedy/drama 'Before Sunrise' nine years later where the one-night standers are inevitably reunited when Hawke is in France for a book-reading of a thinly-veiled account of their wonderful day and night together. Picking up almost immediately from their last encounter the two chatty and intelligently pleasant lovers try to rekindle a lost flame but more importantly self-discover just where they are in life with some very funny and poignant almost improvised dialogue (the three artists collaborated on the script and storytelling at hand) which runs breezily thanks in large part to the exquisitely beautiful French locations in an effortless non-stop walk between the two (Lee Daniel's documentary-like cinematography gets the job done). Once again love triumphs for even the most cynical valentine wannabes.

• Chris W

  
  Nine years after they met and bonded over the course of a night in Vienna, an American guy named Jesse and a French woman named Celine meet up once again by chance in Paris and spend an afternoon trying to reconnect and pick up where they left off. This sequel to the wonderful and… More
  Nine years after they met and bonded over the course of a night in Vienna, an American guy named Jesse and a French woman named Celine meet up once again by chance in Paris and spend an afternoon trying to reconnect and pick up where they left off. This sequel to the wonderful and brilliant Before Sunrise is not quite the masterpiece like its predecessor is, but this still worthy of getting a letter grade of "A". Where the first film was a romantic and heartfelt story that proved to Generation X-ers that it was possible to fall in love in a non-ironic way, this one is a breezy 80 real-time examination of regret, remorse, and the hope of regaining what's been lost. It's also less of an examination of things on gendered lines, and more of a broad generational statement about how things are once people mature and enter their 30s. Told through a series of long takes and tracking shots (but not exclusively), this story is full of heart, wisdom, and pain, but not once does it come across as false, pandering, or fantastical. It's just as real and touching as the first film, although, as to be expected, the romanticness of things is restrained. These charactrs have mostly moved on and matured, although Jesse seems to have taken longer to do so. Celine on the other hand, is just about as miserable and unsatisfied, but is carrying a lot more neuroses than before. The way I'm writing might make it sound like this movie is really a bummer, and it is to an extent, but not really. Honestly, it's kind of hard for me to explain it. Let's just say that it's not all sugar coated, but it's not all gloom and doom either. The performances are once again excellent, if not maybe just a tad better than before. The camera work is nice, the writing is sharp, and the ending is the best possible conclusion that there could be given the nature of the situation and characters. One could probably see this without having seen the first one and probably get it, but I wouldn't recomend that. See Before Sunrise, then see this one. Doing so will take a bit more time, but it is totally worth it and it makes this one even better. So yeah, I recommend this one, but take the above advice first.

• Sajin P

  
  I loved it even better than 'Before Sunset'. The way Jesse & Celine have evolved shows how life take its toll in the space of 10 years.

• Conner R

  
  It's just as good as the original because it takes everything that I loved about the characters and just took it further. It's really interesting to see the same people pick up after almost 10 years apart and having it seem like they never were apart. Ethan Hawke especially… More
  It's just as good as the original because it takes everything that I loved about the characters and just took it further. It's really interesting to see the same people pick up after almost 10 years apart and having it seem like they never were apart. Ethan Hawke especially gives such an amazing performance, debatably even better than the original. Julie Delpy is great too and I think part of her character was meant to be anti-romantic. What really puts this movie into the category of unforgettable though is about the last twenty minutes, it's just unlike any other love story ever told and in many ways one of the most emotional.

• Dan S

  
  An effectively made, well-acted sequel to the extremely romantic "Before Sunrise" that somehow matches the original in both emotional impact and intense discussions. Both of these films are something special and risky, both hovering around the 80-85 minute mark where… More
  An effectively made, well-acted sequel to the extremely romantic "Before Sunrise" that somehow matches the original in both emotional impact and intense discussions. Both of these films are something special and risky, both hovering around the 80-85 minute mark where you're basically just watching two people talk about themselves and their relationships. What makes this film special is its ability to look at the past and have both of its characters honestly express their inmost desires to be with one another, but they know too much time has elapsed and because of this both of them have become a victim to it. There is no kissing, making out, sex - nothing. Just pure, unadulterated, authentic dialogue that makes you wish more mainstream romantic films would take notes from this. Both of these characters feel like real people, and as a result of this, we come to love both of them, and like them, cherish the time we spend with each other.

• Anthony L

  
  Before Sunrise gathered a huge global fan-base on its realise without becoming mainstream. It was a beautiful little indie that passed most people by, so you felt lucky to have caught it. I think the announcement of a sequel was a bit of a surprise to most people, I certainly had my… More
  Before Sunrise gathered a huge global fan-base on its realise without becoming mainstream. It was a beautiful little indie that passed most people by, so you felt lucky to have caught it. I think the announcement of a sequel was a bit of a surprise to most people, I certainly had my concerns, but thankfully, Linklater, Hawke and Delpy came up trumps. It's basically a continuation of the first film, albeit 9 years later. I challenge any cynic not to applaud the way this film handles, not just the question of love, but also how your perceptions of love change through time. Another beautiful film but I think it can be left alone now, there is no need for a third, we'll just use our imaginations as to what happens next.

• Alice S

  
  Liked it a little more than its prequel because the dialogue is less philosophical what-ifs and more grounded in past and present. I nearly *ahem* teared up at Celine's song but wish the film faded out on Jesse's "I know" rather than on Celine dancing.

• E.J. B

  
  Adds another wonderful chapter to an already wonderful story.

• Elvira B

  
  I was pretty disappointed by Before Sunset. I guess I just loved Before Sunrise too much. Nine years ago, Jesse and Celine met in Vienna, fell in love, had to leave, and promised to meet there again in 6 months or so. We never got to find out what happened. Before Sunset… More
  I was pretty disappointed by Before Sunset. I guess I just loved Before Sunrise too much. Nine years ago, Jesse and Celine met in Vienna, fell in love, had to leave, and promised to meet there again in 6 months or so. We never got to find out what happened. Before Sunset shouldn't have happened. The magic of Before Sunrise just vanishes. But if it had to, I could bet the writers could have come up with a better, more original way for the reunion to happen. So Jesse is in Paris promoting a book he wrote about that night in Vienna, and Celine just happens to step in. They begin to walk and talk about their lives so far. The conversations Jesse and Celine had in Before Sunrise were inventive, funny, innocent, complex, foolish, ranging from the very deep to the very superficial. Here, the characters don't have the same spark. They don't shy away from each other any more, which makes their confessions less endearing. All they seem to be able to address is their sex life or lack thereof. I was a little bored after a while. I was trying desperately to like it. Some lines, certain moments were very cute, but others were just repetitive, or overly cheesy, or just yeah, boring. No scenes in which I actually saw much of Paris. Paris is such a beautiful, interesting city, much more than Vienna. I wonder why the locations weren't very well chosen. They chose a rather romantic side of Paris, but they didn't show it off. All in all, it's an interesting watch after Before Sunrise. Just so you can see what happens afterwards. But I prefer to stick to my own version. spoiler --> The one thing I'm giving it three stars for, though, is that it's heartbreaking when, at a given point, Jesse states how different, how unbelievably different his life might have been if they had met in Viena again. It's such a beautiful, and melancholy realization. I liked that. It was my one relief.

• Drew S

  
  These movies are stunning beyond belief. Where Before Sunrise was a charming, playful, heady romance, Before Sunset is something darker. There may be hope in Jesse and Celine's romance but it is awfully hard to find. And we watch them plumb the depths of their emotions, mostly… More
  These movies are stunning beyond belief. Where Before Sunrise was a charming, playful, heady romance, Before Sunset is something darker. There may be hope in Jesse and Celine's romance but it is awfully hard to find. And we watch them plumb the depths of their emotions, mostly negative, to discover that the love that seemed imminent in the first movie seems nearly unreachable now. But it's Before Sunset's greatest strength that it keeps you holding out for that love, against all odds, just because these are two people who you want to imagine together forever. They are some of the most endearing, fully-realized characters to ever be seen in cinema; the measly 80 minutes you spend with them are not even close to enough. This is the kind of movie you make up endings for because the final moments burn in your mind. You owe it to yourself to watch this and its prequel. So, so beautiful.

• Keysha H

  
  It's talky like the first one. But this sequal is fantastic. Just the ending we all hoped for from Before Sunrise.

• Rachel F

  
  I loved this film. It has one of the most unique storylines in that all the characters really do is walk and talk. It's great.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings