Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans
A silent-era masterpiece where German Expressionism meets Hollywood lyricism, exploring a husband's journey through the shadows of murderous temptation toward a radiant, visual rebirth of marital love amidst a shifting, stylized world.
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans

""An artistic masterpiece and also a joy to watch.""

04 November 1927 United States of America 94 min ⭐ 7.8 (866)
Director: F. W. Murnau
Cast: George O'Brien, Janet Gaynor, Margaret Livingston, Bodil Rosing, J. Farrell MacDonald
Drama Romance
The Duality of Human Nature City vs. Country Redemption and Forgiveness Lust vs. Love
Box Office: $1,636,000

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

This song of the Man and his Wife is of no place and every place; you might hear it anywhere, at any time.

— Opening Title Card

Context:

Appears at the very beginning of the film to frame the narrative as a "song" of human experience.

Meaning:

Sets the allegorical tone of the film, suggesting that the story is a universal fable rather than a literal account of specific people.

Couldn't she get... drowned?

— The Woman from the City

Context:

The Woman from the City suggests this to the Man while they are in the marsh, planting the seed of murder in his mind.

Meaning:

Represents the intrusion of darkness into the Man's life. The visual presentation of the text "melting" into the water is a famous example of integrated visual storytelling.

Don't be afraid of me!

— The Man

Context:

The Man follows his fleeing Wife through the woods after the aborted murder attempt, begging her to see him as he truly is.

Meaning:

Highlights the desperate plea for reconciliation and the Man's horror at his own previous intentions. It marks the beginning of his journey toward redemption.