
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans
dir. F. W. Murnau
89
8 sourcesSynopsis
A married farmer falls under the spell of a slatternly woman from the city, who tries to convince him to drown his wife.
Critics consensus
Boasting masterful cinematography to match its well-acted, wonderfully romantic storyline, Sunrise is perhaps the final -- and arguably definitive -- statement of the silent era.
What resonated with audiences
'Sunrise' stands as a timeless masterpiece of silent cinema, celebrated for its stunning Oscar-winning cinematography, masterful direction by Murnau, and exceptional performances, particularly Janet Gaynor's emotionally powerful work. The film's technical achievements and profound emotional impact captivate most viewers, though a few find the melodramatic plot less engaging or note it's better appreciated for historical significance than pure entertainment. Overall, it's hailed as an influential milestone that continues to move audiences.

Directed byF. W. Murnau
StarringGeorge O'Brien, Janet Gaynor, Margaret Livingston, Bodil Rosing, J. Farrell MacDonald, Ralph Sipperly
Written byCarl Mayer
CinematographyKarl Struss
EditingHarold D. Schuster
MusicHugo Riesenfeld
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans
1927 · NR · 1h 34m
Drama, Romance
A married farmer falls under the spell of a slatternly woman from the city, who tries to convince him to drown his wife.
