Waking Life
Seen it?2001 | 101 min | Animation, Drama, Fantasy
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for fantasy fans and animation lovers. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 41 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
Waking Life is about a young man in a persistent lucid dream-like state. The film follows its protagonist as he initially observes and later participates in philosophical discussions that weave together issues like reality, free will, our relationships with others, and the meaning of life.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
Nominated for 1 Critics' Choice Award.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$3 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 151K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Richard Linklater
- Ethan HawkeJesse
- Julie DelpyCeline
- Wiley WigginsMain Character
- Bill WiseBoat Car Guy
- Alex E. JonesMan in Car with P.A.
- Steven SoderberghInterviewed on Television
- Ken WebsterBartender
- Charles GunningAngry Man in Jail
- Lorelei LinklaterYoung Girl Playing Paper Game
- Trevor Jack BrooksYoung Boy Playing Paper Game