AFI (2007) • AFI-082
Sunrise
1927 • F. W. Murnau
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ABOUT THIS FILM
RUNTIME
94 min
FAMOUS QUOTE
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F.W. Murnau’s silent masterpiece tells the story of a farmer tempted by a woman from the city who convinces him to murder his devoted wife. When he brings his wife into town with the intention of carrying out the crime, guilt and remorse begin to reshape his feelings. The couple’s emotional journey becomes a powerful story of forgiveness and reconciliation. Renowned for its expressive cinematography, innovative camera movement, and dreamlike visual style, Sunrise pushed silent filmmaking to extraordinary artistic heights. The film remains one of the most celebrated works of early cinema and a landmark in visual storytelling.
Why it matters
- A defining work in the AFI canon, it showcases the craft of classical Hollywood storytelling (or its modern evolution) at a high level.
- Its influence shows up in later films—through structure, tone, or visual language—making it a useful reference point for how the medium developed.
- It endures because its core conflicts feel human and repeatable, letting new audiences find fresh meaning in familiar moments.
Watch for
- How the opening establishes tone and stakes—often more is set up visually than in dialogue.
- Key scenes where performance choices (pauses, glances, timing) do the emotional heavy lifting.
- Editing and transitions: notice what the film hides, what it reveals, and when it decides to do each.
Vibe
Silent RomanceVisual PoetryMarriage in CrisisRural InnocenceUrban TemptationExpressionist BeautyMoral AwakeningForgivenessLyrical CameraMurnau Masterpiece
AFI RANK
1998: —
2007: #82