Before Sunset
A naturalistic romantic drama capturing the bittersweet ache of a missed connection rekindled, where conversation flows like a winding Parisian river against the ticking clock of a setting sun.
Before Sunset
Before Sunset

"What if you had a second chance with the one that got away?"

16 June 2004 United States of America 80 min ⭐ 7.8 (3,646)
Director: Richard Linklater
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff, Louise Lemoine Torrès, Rodolphe Pauly
Drama Romance
The Passage of Time and Aging Regret and Missed Opportunities Idealism vs. Cynicism Communication and Connection
Budget: $2,700,000
Box Office: $15,992,615

Before Sunset - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

I guess when you're young, you believe that you will meet many people with whom you'll connect with, but later you realize it only happens a few times.

— Celine

Context:

Spoken during their walk as they reflect on the scarcity of the bond they shared nine years prior.

Meaning:

Reflects the sobering realization of adulthood that deep human connection is a rare commodity, not an infinite resource.

Memory is a wonderful thing if you don't have to deal with the past.

— Celine

Context:

Said while discussing why she found Jesse's book painful to read.

Meaning:

Points to the pain of nostalgia and the difficulty of living in the present when the past remains unresolved.

Baby, you are gonna miss that plane.

— Celine

Context:

The final line of the film, spoken as Celine dances in her apartment while Jesse watches her.

Meaning:

A playful yet profound acknowledgement that their connection has overridden Jesse's external obligations.

I know.

— Jesse

Context:

Jesse's final response to Celine, closing the film on a note of ambiguous but certain choice.

Meaning:

The ultimate acceptance of fate; Jesse chooses the moment over his responsibilities, signaling his decision to stay.