# Before Sunrise

> 1995 film directed by Richard Linklater

**Wikidata**: [Q659609](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q659609)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_Sunrise)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/before-sunrise

## Summary
Before Sunrise is a 1995 film directed by Richard Linklater, renowned for its naturalistic dialogue and exploration of a brief yet profound romantic encounter between two strangers. The movie launched the acclaimed Before trilogy, which follows the characters' evolving relationship over decades. It stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, and its success established Linklater's reputation for innovative storytelling.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: January 27, 1995 (Sundance Film Festival), March 30, 1995 (United States), March 31, 1995 (Germany).
- **Director**: Richard Linklater.
- **Starring**: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy.
- **Genre**: Romantic drama, road movie.
- **Production Company**: Castle Rock Entertainment.
- **Country of Origin**: United States, Germany, France.
- **Runtime**: 101 minutes.
- **Budget**: $2.5 million.
- **Box Office**: $25 million (worldwide).
- **Awards**: Silver Bear for Best Director (Berlin International Film Festival), César Award for Best Director.
- **Sequel**: Part of the Before trilogy, followed by *Before Sunset* (2004) and *Before Midnight* (2013).
- **Filming Locations**: Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary.
- **Language**: English.
- **Music**: Composed by Mark Knopfler.
- **Screenplay**: Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan.
- **Distributor**: Columbia Pictures.
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 51 language editions.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q28956556.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0112471.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 98% (Certified Fresh).
- **Metacritic Score**: 81/100 (Universal Acclaim).
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: before-sunrise.
- **Google Books ID**: 8.4/10.
- **MusicBrainz Release Group ID**: 18368.
- **TV.com ID**: 704712.
- **The Movie Database (TMDB) ID**: 20432.
- **Allociné ID**: 164193.
- **Filmweb.pl ID**: 20432.
- **Kinopoisk ID**: 20432.
- **Cineplex ID**: 20432.
- **El Portal de Música ID**: 704712.
- **IMDb Title Match List ID**: tt17145.
- **BNE authority ID**: 704712.
- **BFI National Library ID**: 704712.
- **CineClick ID**: 20432.
- **CinemaStory ID**: 704712.
- **Douban ID**: 20432.
- **EIDR ID**: 10.5240/38FA-8F81-D0EB-B88C-77CA-3.
- **Filmweb ID**: 20432.
- **HKMDb ID**: 704712.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0112471.
- **Internet Movie Script Database ID**: 704712.
- **KinoPoisk ID**: 20432.
- **Letterboxd film ID**: 20432.
- **MovieMeter ID**: 20432.
- **OFDb ID**: 704712.
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: m/before_sunrise.
- **TheTVDB ID**: 704712.
- **TV Guide ID**: 20432.
- **TV Tropes ID**: Film/BeforeSunrise.
- **YouTube Trailer ID**: IqX_AZL8Sl0.
- **Amazon ASIN**: B001NA60A0.
- **BabelNet ID**: 00034471n.
- **BFI film ID**: 704712.
- **Box Office Mojo film ID**: before-sunrise.
- **Cineplex film ID**: 20432.
- **Douban film ID**: 20432.
- **EIDR film ID**: 10.5240/38FA-8F81-D0EB-B88C-77CA-3.
- **Filmweb film ID**: 20432.
- **HKMDb film ID**: 704712.
- **IMDb film ID**: tt0112471.
- **Internet Movie Script Database film ID**: 704712.
- **KinoPoisk film ID**: 20432.
- **Letterboxd film ID**: 20432.
- **MovieMeter film ID**: 20432.
- **OFDb film ID**: 704712.
- **Rotten Tomatoes film ID**: m/before_sunrise.
- **TheTVDB film ID**: 704712.
- **TV Guide film ID**: 20432.
- **TV Tropes film ID**: Film/BeforeSunrise.
- **YouTube trailer ID**: IqX_AZL8Sl0.
- **Amazon.com product ID**: B001NA60A0.
- **BabelNet synset ID**: 00034471n.
- **BFI film ID**: 704712.
- **Box Office Mojo film ID**: before-sunrise.
- **Cineplex film ID**: 20432.
- **Douban film ID**: 20432.
- **EIDR film ID**: 10.5240/38FA-8F81-D0EB-B88C-77CA-3.
- **Filmweb film ID**: 20432.
- **HKMDb film ID**: 704712.
- **IMDb film ID**: tt0112471.
- **Internet Movie Script Database film ID**: 704712.
- **KinoPoisk film ID**: 20432.
- **Letterboxd film ID**: 20432.
- **MovieMeter film ID**: 20432.
- **OFDb film ID**: 704712.
- **Rotten Tomatoes film ID**: m/before_sunrise.
- **TheTVDB film ID**: 704712.
- **TV Guide film ID**: 20432.
- **TV Tropes film ID**: Film/BeforeSunrise.
- **YouTube trailer ID**: IqX_AZL8Sl0.
- **Amazon.com product ID**: B001NA60A0.
- **BabelNet synset ID**: 00034471n.
- **BFI film ID**: 704712.
- **Box Office Mojo film ID**: before-sunrise.
- **Cineplex film ID**: 20432.
- **Douban film ID**: 20432.
- **EIDR film ID**: 10.5240/38FA-8F81-D0EB-B88C-77CA-3.
- **Filmweb film ID**: 20432.
- **HKMDb film ID**: 704712.
- **IMDb film ID**: tt0112471.
- **Internet Movie Script Database film ID**: 704712.
- **KinoPoisk film ID**: 20432.
- **Letterboxd film ID**: 20432.
- **MovieMeter film ID**: 20432.
- **OFDb film ID**: 704712.
- **Rotten Tomatoes film ID**: m/before_sunrise.
- **TheTVDB film ID**: 704712.
- **TV Guide film ID**: 20432.
- **TV Tropes film ID**: Film/BeforeSunrise.
- **YouTube trailer ID**: IqX_AZL8Sl0.

## FAQs
**What is Before Sunrise about?**  
Before Sunrise follows a chance encounter between American traveler Jesse and French student Céline on a train, leading to a spontaneous night exploring Vienna and deep conversations about life, love, and identity.

**Who directed and wrote Before Sunrise?**  
Richard Linklater directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Kim Krizan, marking the beginning of his acclaimed Before trilogy.

**Where was Before Sunrise filmed?**  
The film was shot on location in Vienna, Austria, and Budapest, Hungary, with its iconic scenes capturing the essence of European cities at night.

**What awards did Before Sunrise win?**  
It won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival and contributed to Linklater's later César Award for Best Director, recognizing its critical acclaim.

**How does Before Sunrise relate to other films?**  
It is the first installment in the Before trilogy, followed by *Before Sunset* (2004) and *Before Midnight* (2013), each exploring the characters' evolving relationship over decades.

**What is the significance of the title "Before Sunrise"?**  
The title reflects the film's timeframe, spanning a single night as Jesse and Céline converse until dawn, symbolizing the fleeting yet profound connection between strangers.

**Who stars in Before Sunrise?**  
Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy deliver standout performances as Jesse and Céline, roles they reprised in the trilogy's subsequent films.

**How was Before Sunrise received commercially?**  
Despite a modest $2.5 million budget, the film grossed $25 million worldwide, achieving both critical and commercial success.

## Why It Matters
Before Sunrise matters as a landmark in independent cinema, redefining romantic dramas through its focus on dialogue and character development. It launched the Before trilogy, a seminal work in exploring long-term relationships on screen. The film's success established Richard Linklater as a visionary director, influencing generations of filmmakers with its naturalistic storytelling and philosophical depth. Its portrayal of a chance encounter resonates universally, capturing the essence of human connection and the impact of brief, meaningful interactions. The film's legacy extends beyond entertainment, offering insights into love, identity, and the passage of time, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.

## Notable For
- **Launch of the Before Trilogy**: The first film in a trilogy that spans nearly two decades, redefining cinematic storytelling about relationships.
- **Naturalistic Dialogue**: Pioneered a style of realistic, improvisational conversations that influenced modern screenwriting.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Winner of the Silver Bear for Best Director and a catalyst for Linklater's César Award.
- **Cultural Impact**: Captured the zeitgeist of 1990s independent cinema, inspiring a wave of character-driven films.
- **Iconic Performances**: Launched Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as leading actors, known for their nuanced portrayals of Jesse and Céline.
- **Low-Budget Success**: Demonstrated the potential of modestly funded films to achieve global recognition and commercial success.
- **Philosophical Depth**: Explored themes of love, identity, and existentialism in a relatable, accessible manner.
- **Innovative Storytelling**: Focused on a single night's encounter, proving that compelling narratives can emerge from minimal plot structures.

## Body

### Production and Release
Before Sunrise was directed by Richard Linklater and produced by Castle Rock Entertainment. Filmed in Vienna and Budapest, the movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 1995, before its U.S. release on March 30, 1995. With a budget of $2.5 million, it grossed $25 million worldwide, establishing its commercial viability alongside critical acclaim.

### Cast and Crew
The film stars Ethan Hawke as Jesse, an American traveler, and Julie Delpy as Céline, a French student. Linklater co-wrote the screenplay with Kim Krizan, emphasizing naturalistic dialogue. Mark Knopfler composed the score, enhancing the film's introspective tone.

### Themes and Style
Before Sunrise is renowned for its exploration of chance encounters and deep conversations. The film's title reflects its timeframe, spanning a single night as Jesse and Céline wander Vienna, discussing life, love, and identity. Linklater's direction focuses on character development over plot, creating a sense of authenticity that resonates with audiences.

### Legacy and Influence
As the first installment in the Before trilogy, Before Sunrise introduced a narrative structure that evolved over decades. The trilogy's success influenced filmmakers to experiment with long-term storytelling, as seen in Linklater's *Boyhood* (2014). The film's naturalistic dialogue and philosophical themes have become a hallmark of Linklater's style, inspiring a generation of screenwriters and directors.

### Awards and Recognition
Before Sunrise won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival, recognizing Linklater's innovative approach. It also contributed to his later César Award for Best Director, underscoring its global acclaim. The film holds a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score and an 81/100 Metacritic rating, reflecting universal critical praise.

### Cultural Impact
The film's portrayal of a spontaneous romantic connection struck a chord with audiences, capturing the essence of 1990s independent cinema. It launched Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as leading actors, with their performances becoming iconic in modern cinema. Before Sunrise remains a staple of film studies, analyzed for its dialogue, pacing, and character dynamics.

### Related Entities
- **The Before Trilogy**: Includes *Before Sunset* (2004) and *Before Midnight* (2013), continuing Jesse and Céline's story.
- **Richard Linklater**: Director known for innovative films like *Boyhood* and *Dazed and Confused*.
- **Ethan Hawke**: Actor who reprised his role as Jesse in the trilogy.
- **Julie Delpy**: Actress and co-writer of the trilogy's later films.
- **Castle Rock Entertainment**: Production company behind the film.
- **Vienna, Austria**: Primary filming location, showcased in the movie's nocturnal scenes.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 101 minutes.
- **Language**: English.
- **Aspect Ratio**: 1.85:1.
- **Sound Mix**: Dolby SR.
- **Film Gauge**: 35 mm.
- **Color**: Color.
- **Negative Format**: 35 mm.
- **Cinematography**: Lee Daniel.
- **Editing**: Sandra Adair.

### Historical Context
Released in 1995, Before Sunrise emerged during a resurgence of American independent cinema, alongside films like *Clerks* (1994) and *El Mariachi* (1992). It benefited from the growing Sundance Film Festival's influence, which platformed indie films to wider audiences. The film's success reflected a shift toward character-driven narratives in 1990s cinema.

### Academic and Critical Analysis
Scholars praise Before Sunrise for its realistic dialogue and exploration of human connection. The film is often cited in studies on romantic narratives and indie filmmaking techniques. Its use of Vienna as a character in itself highlights the role of setting in shaping cinematic mood and themes.

### Preservation and Legacy
Before Sunrise is preserved in the Criterion Collection, ensuring its availability for future generations. Its influence extends to literature and theater, with its dialogue style adapted in plays and novels. The film's 25th anniversary in 2020 sparked retrospectives celebrating its enduring relevance and impact on contemporary storytelling.

## References

1. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/przed-wschodem-slonca)
2. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112471/)
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4. [Source](http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/sunrise-1970-3)
5. Freebase Data Dumps
6. [Source](http://www.metacritic.com/movie/before-sunrise)
7. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112471/fullcredits)
8. The Movie Database
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10. The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures
11. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112471/releaseinfo)
12. [Source](http://www.kinokalender.com/film3521_before-sunrise.html)
13. Before Sunrise
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15. [Source](https://www.spio-fsk.de/asp/filestream.asp?dir=karte&file=0409%5C72953VDVD%2Epdf)
16. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0112471/)
17. Kinopoisk
18. BBFC database
19. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/before-sunrise/)
20. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
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22. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
23. film distribution certificate
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25. Bechdel Test Movie List
26. mymovies.it
27. IMDb
28. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/38FA-8F81-D0EB-B88C-77CA-3)
29. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/94315)
30. [Source](https://cinema.bamid.gov.tw:9443/TheaterMangSystem/Pages/MovieRating/movieInfo.aspx?group=A109545)
31. TheTVDB
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33. FilmVandaag.nl