Before Sunset 2004
"What if you had a second chance with the one that got away?"
In Richard Linklater's intimate 2004 drama *Before Sunset*, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy reunite as Jesse and Celine nine years after their fleeting encounter in Vienna.
Director: Richard Linklater
Cast
Ethan Hawke
Jesse
Julie Delpy
Céline
Vernon Dobtcheff
Bookstore Manager
Louise Lemoine Torrès
Journalist #1
Rodolphe Pauly
Journalist #2
Mariane Plasteig
Waitress
Diabolo
Philippe
Denis Evrard
Boat Attendant
Albert Delpy
Man at Grill
Marie Pillet
Woman in Courtyard
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Before Sunset (2004) about?
*Before Sunset* follows Jesse, a writer revisiting Paris to promote his book, as he unexpectedly reunites with Celine, the woman he once spent a single night with in Vienna. Their reunion over one fateful afternoon reignites old emotions, forcing them to confront the choices they've made and the lives they've built since their first encounter.
Who directed Before Sunset?
The film was directed by Richard Linklater, a master of character-driven storytelling known for his nuanced exploration of relationships and time.
Who stars in Before Sunset?
The lead roles are played by Ethan Hawke as Jesse and Julie Delpy as Celine, with supporting performances by Vernon Dobtcheff, Louise Lemoine Torrès, and Rodolphe Pauly.
Is Before Sunset (2004) worth watching?
Absolutely—this 2004 gem blends romance and drama into a deeply human experience. With its sharp dialogue and emotional depth, *Before Sunset* is a standout in Linklater's career and a must-watch for fans of thoughtful, character-driven films.
How long is Before Sunset?
The film runs for 80 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Before Sunset (2004) — Two strangers, nine years later, in a Parisian day of rekindled dreams
In Richard Linklater's intimate 2004 drama *Before Sunset*, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy reunite as Jesse and Celine nine years after their fleeting encounter in Vienna. Now a writer promoting his memoir in Paris, Jesse crosses paths with Celine once more, sparking a bittersweet reunion that unfolds over a single sunlit afternoon. With their lives now intertwined with partners and responsibilities, the two navigate a delicate dance between nostalgia and present-day reality, their chemistry reigniting longing and unspoken questions. Linklater's signature naturalistic style breathes life into this romance, crafting an atmosphere of quiet intensity and emotional honesty.
Set against the backdrop of Parisian streets, cafés, and bookshops, *Before Sunset (2004)* captures the fleeting magic of second chances and the weight of choices left unmade. A meditation on love, timing, and the roads we choose, this film lingers like the echo of a familiar song—haunting, beautiful, and impossible to forget.
