""An artistic masterpiece and also a joy to watch.""
Director: F. W. Murnau
Cast: George O'Brien, Janet Gaynor, Margaret Livingston, Bodil Rosing, J. Farrell MacDonald
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.
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?
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!
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.
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