Waking Life
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75% Critic Match

Waking Life

Dreams. What are they? An escape from reality or reality itself?

7.5 / 10 2001 1h 41mR English
AnimationDramaFantasy

Storyline

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.

Cast & Crew

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke

Jesse

Lead
Julie Delpy

Julie Delpy

Celine

Wiley Wiggins

Wiley Wiggins

Main Character

Bill Wise

Bill Wise

Boat Car Guy

Alex E. Jones

Alex E. Jones

Man in Car with P.A.

Steven Soderbergh

Steven Soderbergh

Interviewed on Television

Ken Webster

Ken Webster

Bartender

Charles Gunning

Charles Gunning

Angry Man in Jail

What People Are Saying

4.0
A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Richard Linklater's vision lands with breathtaking precision.
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
4.0
Every frame feels alive. Waking Life is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker