Ratings

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IMDb rating 7.7
Critic rating Average critic rating
Critic rating 8

Reviews

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Susan Marshall
rated 10

so much good here. thought provoking, insightful, incredibly creative compilation

1 year ago
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Critic Roger Ebert
rated 10

Waking Life is philosophical and playful at the same time. It's an extravagantly inventive film...

Read full review at Roger Ebert
Critic Matthew Turner
rated 6

An intriguing and visually impressive film...

Read full review at Empire
Kasper Løvborg
rated 9

"Hey, are you a dreamer?" The conversations are thought-provoking and fascinating, and the rotoscope style fits Linklater's film awesomely. Entrancing and wonderful.

3 years ago

Cast & Crew

Richard Linklater
As Pinball Playing Man / Man on Back of Boat
Steven Soderbergh
As Interviewed on Television
Ethan Hawke
As Jesse
Alex Jones
As Man in Car with P.A.
Julie Delpy
As Celine
Adam Goldberg
As One of Four Men

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waking Life about? Toggle content

Waking Life follows a young man trapped in a recurring lucid dream, where he explores conversations with various individuals about the meaning of life, free will, and our relationships with others. As he delves deeper into his subconscious, he grapples with existential questions and longs to break free from his dream world. The film features philosophical debates reminiscent of Sartre's existentialism and touches upon themes of posthumanity and lucid dreaming before reaching its mystical conclusion. With a cast of quirky characters and a labyrinthine narrative structure, Waking Life offers a thought-provoking and visually stunning journey into one's mind.

Where can I stream Waking Life? Toggle content

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