Twice Upon a Yesterday (1998) User Reviews

starts out slow

[ja0576 · 7/10 · 2 October 2012]

This movie started out a little too slow for me and I would have turned it off, but there was nothing else on that I wanted to see so I decided to give it a chance. And I'm glad I did. I won't bore you with the plot because you've probably read the other reviews. What I liked about this movie over other romantic comedies is that you never really know how it's going to end or who is going to end up together. Great use, by the way, of the tattered umbrella prop. Why can't Hollywood make comedies this unpredictable? Well, it seems I don't have enough lines for my review to be published yet so I'll tack something on here. If you like " What If" fables, this is the perfect movie for you. Similar to the movie "Sliding Doors" I found this movie much more satisfying.

A Surprisingly Funny Date Movie

[Starks · 7/10 · 7 May 1999]

I saw Twice Upon a Yesterday last night at a screening. My expectations were really low because I had not heard of this picture before and I didn't recognize any of the stars. On top of this, when I went to the theatre last night a special preview of Star Wars Episode 1 was playing on the same floor (I tried to sneak in but 20th Century Fox posted security at the exits). So a bit disappointed, I headed over to the screening for Twice Upon a Yesterday. And I must say I was very surprised. The acting performances were pretty terrific and the story/writing was pretty good as well. The story kinda reminded me of "Sliding Doors" in a way but I feel that this film is actually a much better fable. I don't want to give too much away but there are quite a few funny surprises and twists that make this movie an interesting experience. And if you are into philosophy, you will love the questions this picture raises about life and love. There is also a terrific breakout star in this, Penelope Cruz who plays Luisa is drop dead gorgeous (she has a role in Billy Bob Thornton new picture).

My only criticism would be that the filmmakers did not use its London locale to its fullest, you almost feel as if this picture was shot on a backlot. More shots of the London scenery would have given the picture much more of a storybook feel. But all in all, I would recommend this movie (at the very least if your searching for a good video a few months from now and see Twice Upon a yesterday go ahead and rent it).

Better than your average romantic comedy-drama

[gridoon2024 · 6/10 · 2 October 2016]

"Twice Upon A Yesterday" / "If Only" / "The Man With Rain In His Shoes" (wow, that's a lot of title to choose from!) is clearly a more ambitious, complex and thought-provoking film than we usually get from the romantic comedy-drama genre. It questions the usual "destined to be with each other" formula, and tackles on the uncertainties, the insecurities and the complexities of romantic relationships. You could almost call it "realistic", despite its fantasy elements. It does go on a little longer than necessary, though. And Douglas Henshall is a little short on screen magnetism (which may of course be the point, especially contrasting him with Mark Strong). Lena Headey is excellent, as usual. It's a nice little movie about love and fate, all in all. **1/2 out of 4.

IF

[kattah · 26 August 2000]

Twice upon a yesterday, also known as The man with rain in his shoes, is a charming movie about various relationships in sweet chaos during the beginning of autumn in London. In this movie the classic theme of given a second chance looks at all relationships with such universally unbiased attitude, that one can't help but feel good. And Penelope Cruz is completely captivating. (I first saw her in High-Low Country where she played a jilted girlfriend, and all you could think was " maan that guy is STOO PID").

Although the movie leans towards the possibility of destiny and determination, it really seems to want to tell something more essential: relationships, no matter how perfect they seem and how much you think you love, are still incidental and never unparalleled or even unique. So it's just the way one looks at things: the attitude, the joy and responsibility of loving someone, and the strength to let go when it's time.

Romantic and captivating Spain/British co-production with plenty of good actors giving nice performances

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 25 September 2021]

A convincing Spanish/Brit romantic comedy with good actors delivering fine interpretations , fun scenes and nice direction . It is an exciting film displaying a touching love story , brief nudism and interesting drama and plot points well written by Rafa Russo . In ¨The man with rain in his shoes¨ , we see a surprisingly thoughtful approach to an otherwise tiring premise, as confident audiences will be well gripped into a peculiar and attractive romance . As young lovers in London are wrapped up in a love triangle that may not be exactly what it seems . Dealing with an out-of-luck actor named Victor Bukowski (Douglas Henshall) desperate to win back the affections of his cute ex-sweetheart (Lena Headey) , unexpectedly stumbles upon a miraculously way to turn back the clock . But a new suitor (Michael Strong) suddenly sparks a passion that has been sleeping within her and they have a deep crush on each other . When she refuses to retake their relationship , Victor is given a surprising second chance to return and correct the mistake which led to their break-up , while falling in love for a waiter (Penelope Cruz) . In the game of love, three's are wild.

¨The Man with Rain in His Shoes¨ is a stylish and agreeable comedy seasoned with diverting scenes , alluring mess , confusion , entertainment and professionally directed by Maria Ripoll . This is a Drama/Romance/comedy movie ; the picture develops a triangular drama about a peculiar couple and the twisted relationship among them , filled with lasting images , delightful performances , sense of style and slow moving . Resulting to be a decent movie , though slightly monotonous due to be really limited to a few characters and a simple plot . Regular and unbalanced , but gaining the sympathy almost at all times . It is an amusing picture dealing with couple relationships , jealousy , loving conflicts and many other things . This is a charming and warming comedy with a lot of incidents in which each time more dangerously out of control , including attractant love stories in which there are twisted messes , as well as the ordinary comedian clichés . Colorful story of loves and jealousy in which predominates amiable , attracting roles who become embroiled in multiple messes , being played by a good cast , with agreeable performance from Douglas Henshall as a shambling , out-of-work actor who attempts to stop his ex-girlfriend from marrying another man , while Lena Headey is very enjoyable as the sensitive Sylvia . They're well accompanied by a very good support cast , such as Penelope Cruz , Michel Strong , Gustavo Salmerón , Eusebio Lázaro , Charlotte Coleman and special appearance by Elizabeth McGovern.

Here stands out the luxurious cinematography by Javier Salmones , shot on location in London . The motion picture was professionally directed by Maria Ripol , though it t has some moments of enjoyment as well as amusement and others quite a few embarrassing . Maria Ripoll was born in 1964 in Barcelona, Catalonia , Spain and considered to be one of the best Spanish female filmmakers . She is an expert director and assistant director , being especially known for the successful "Your Life in 65" (2006) , ¨Tortilla Soup¨ (2001) , ¨Lluvia En Zapatos¨ or ¨The Man with Rain in His Shoes¨ (1998) and ¨Rastres de Sàndal¨ (2014) and ¨Vivir dos veces¨ (2019). Maria has directed known international stars , such as : Penélope Cruz , Lena Headey , Héctor Helizondo , Leonardo Sbaraglia , Tchéky Karyo , Jacqueline Obradors , Elizabeth Peña , Douglas Henshall , Mark Strong , among others . She also made a thriller that failed at box office titled ¨Utopia¨ with Najwa Nimri , José Garcia , Emma Vilarasau and Fele Martínez . And this one ¨The man with rain in his shoes¨that has got several nominations and prizes , such as : Montréal World Film Festival 1998 Winner Best Screenplay Rafa Russo ; Bogota Film Festival 1999 Winner Bronze Precolumbian Circle Maria Ripoll ; Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival 1998 Winner Gran Angular Award Best Film Maria Ripoll. And Goya Awards 2000 Nominee Best New Director Maria Ripoll .

Cute Magic Realism Romance

[noralee · 7/10 · 12 December 2005]

The British "Twice Upon A Yesterday (The Man with Rain in His Shoes)" was a cute date movie (both the guy and the girl change ).

Sure it's unoriginal, a cross between "Groundhog Day," "Sliding Doors," and "Next Stop Wonderland" with magic realism, but I'm a sucker for that and this is more thoughtful about the relationships.

Other than a cameo by Elizabeth McGovern, the Brit and Spanish actors are all unknown, not even from Brit TV, and not all by any means gorgeous.

Nice world music soundtrack, reflecting the new British immigrant diversity. And nice musical touch that the couple almost stays together because he gets her tickets to a Radiohead concert.

(originally written 6/5/1999)

Go back in time to get cheated on?.....

[FlashCallahan · 6/10 · 22 September 2013]

Unfaithful, out-of-work actor Victor is desperate to win back the affection of his ex-girlfriend Sylvia before she marries another man.

He meets two very strange dust-men who turn back time and allow him another chance to correct his mistake.

However, fate again plays a sour hand and Sylvia's best friend Alison's date, meet and fall in love .

This time around Sylvia is the unfaithful one and eventually leaves Victor.

Victor can't believe his luck until he meets the beautiful Louise. Is this Victor's destiny of does fate have more tricks to play.....

If you can swallow the bitter pill that he goes back in time, becomes obsessive, paranoid, and overbearing, which will. Be his downfall, then somewhere in this movie, is a little Richard Curtis crying for help.

Made in a time where doors were sliding, and Martha met three men whilst Hugh Grant worked in a book shop, If Only.. was the one that got lost in the mix.

It's not very funny, in fact, at times, its downright depressing, knowing that this guy got a second chance, only for Karma to show up and bite him on the proverbial.

But the cast are great, and make this little movie all the more watchable.

And at the end of the day, he gets with Penelope Cruz anyway.

Like a vacuum, the movie message just keeps sucking.

[aaaf-1 · 1/10 · 9 March 2005]

I wouldn't rent this movie. It's a complete wasting of time. Like a vacuum, the movie message just keeps sucking. The writer is persistently shifting the burden of his own psychological problems onto the audience's shoulders, and casually trying to push his old-fashioned beliefs of a 'fate' stuff into your mouth. Behaviour of protagonists is far from being natural, and everything rings hollow. Obviously, no one really loves anyone in this sombre dismal performance. (I actually have to add something, despite the fact that I said all. The reason of it is there is a requirement of 10 lines of the text as a minimum length for comments. I think this is not in a fair and good spirit of a web-site to make such a requirement since it violates the freedom of expression, like, I personally think I've already said what I wanted to say bout the film. ...Well, after I added this flame, I suppose there will be 'nuff lines to finally display my modest comment on the movie.)

A Charming Romantic Drama

[chron · 8/10 · 22 April 2001]

This is a charming romantic drama about a guy who has an affair on his girlfriend, confesses and is faced with the misery of being alone. He gets a chance to try again when he is sent back in time.

The acting is very well done. The plot is interesting - similar to Sliding Doors. I like the story of redemption and discovering one's self in the process. This plot plays that story out quite well.

While there's nothing terribly original here, I found the movie to be quite entertaining. All of the characters were endearing and three dimensional. There was no "bad guy"; just people going through life as best they can.

I rated this movie an 8 out of 10.

Moving on versus "Getting it right"

[mar3429 · 7/10 · 14 December 2006]

May Contain minor spoilers

What is the best solution for a failed romantic relationship? Should we take our hard-won lessons forward and apply them to our next experience, hopeful that we can get it right this time? Or,as in the case of this film, if we were given a chance, is it best that we journey to the past and attempt to rectify the errors of our failed romance? Twice Upon a Yesterday seems to be saying "Yes" to both cases. This serves to keep the ultimate resolution to this film from being totally satisfying. Of course, it also keeps it real.

"What if?" is probably the ultimate human question. It reflects our yearning for a "do over button" that we can press when we find that we don't like the outcomes of our decisions. The fact that one exists in this film, is part of its allure.

While examining some of the previous reviews of this film on the internet I ran across an article that mentions the screenwriter. He stated that he wrote the screenplay in response to a failed romance of his own. He presumably had moved on but continued to yearn for redemption and reconciliation. With this information in hand, I can now see why the Sylvia/Victor relationship is given yet another try (by Sylvia this time) at the end of the film. The fact that Victor seems to have found happiness with Louisa is just as irrelevant to Sylvia as Sylvia's pending nuptials to Dave were to Victor in another time line. The heart wants what the heart wants--and the heart is selfish.

While there were no good guys or bad guys in the film--everyone was just your basic flawed human being--it now seems clear to me that the scriptwriter wants us to continue to cheer for Victor and Sylvia as a couple. I can almost picture the two of them in a seemingly endless loop, trying one way after another to resolve their problems until they finally get it right.

Of course, the story also says....There is another way...

I Hate English Accents Irish Accents, and Everything In-Between

[nuke_houston · 1/10 · 16 October 2019]

I thought, maybe, Lena Headey and/or Penelope Cruz would be Hot.

After 20 minutes. I started paying some Bills, but i still kept movie playing just in case there were some redeeming qualities.

Bottom Line: I Hate English Accents and Irish Accents, and everything in-between. They do not pronounce words Correctly... i.e. they put the EmPh-A-SiS on the wrong SiL-LAAAB--el

Oh, and BTW, the Soundtrack suks too, a lot of Reggae garbage. not even good for Background movie

An entertaining and mind provoking movie

[napeleon · 8/10 · 24 March 2001]

Twice Upon a Yesterday is a truly unique movie. It is not your typical romantic comedy - rather it is a truly mind provoking exercise. While it may not appeal to all, it certainly has a certain charm that even the most vocal critics of the genre will find appealing.

Forza Del Destino (web)

[leplatypus · 7/10 · 24 September 2013]

In short, this movie is well written, well acted but not well directed.

It's well written because on an already seen basis (back in time to have a second chance), the story offers a new direction: there can't be a second chance because if things can change, the result is still the same. So it's the total opposite of "Back of future trilogy" for example. The final twist with Don Quichotte is interesting as well because it opens a larger perspective as it seems that finally our life is in the hands of powerful entities. It's a bit Lynchian or karma inspired as in "Groundhog day".

The cast is excellent: Lena is totally British, Strong is the usual bastard, and the unknown hero is sympathetic (he reminds me a bit of Michael Youn's buddy, Alexandre Desagnat). And, for sure, Penélope is the usual light even if she's still a newcomer at the time.

However, the directing isn't to the level: first, the pace is a bit slow and sometimes looks into useless matters. The production is a bit ugly as orange keeps popping in each frame and this color isn't very cinematic.

'If Only' I'd rented something else...

[kmccabe- · 3/10 · 14 June 1999]

I knew nothing about this film before I rented it. I wish that there had been someone to take me by the hand; to warn me off. So now I'm here now for the rest of you. Don't rent this film. Slight redemption comes in the form of the two female leads, Lena Headey & Penelope Cruz. They are both simply exquisite -- but beauty does not a film make.

A Fateful Romantic Encounter

[mgm_kitten · 11 June 2002]

I watched this movie not really expecting very much and was pleasantly suprised! Realising too late that he has thrown away his life, Victor gets a second chance to change things. Although Mr. Fate sticks his oar in and things don't quite go to plan, you go with Victor as he realises his mistakes and appears to grow up in front of our eyes. If you like 'Sliding Doors' or 'Vanilla Sky' you'll appreciate this romantic 'If Only' film.

Dick van Dyke Does Dulwich

[ian_harris · 6/10 · 18 October 2002]

Any movie set in Notting Hill gets some bonus points from me for local interest. This movie has its moments but ultimately is a little disappointing as the twists are too predictable and the characters not interesting enough. Others have mentioned Groundhog Day and Sliding Doors, but it's hard to avoid thinking of those films, both of which are knockout compared with this one. Even the acting is a little flat - I don't know what Lena Heady's natural accent sounds like but her affected attempt at a London twang can only be described as "Dick van Dyke does Dulwich". Still, with local bonus points and the fact that it is an easy watch, 6 out of 10.

I want that umbrella!

[=G= · 6/10 · 22 September 2001]

"Twice..." tells of a man (Henshall) who stumbles onto a magical opportunity to turn back time and rescue his floundering relationship with his girlfriend (Headey) which leads to an unexpected conclusion. A no frills Euro-flick sans the usual Hollywood tinsel, sex, and nudity, "Twice..." is a slow starter which just may grab you given the chance. It's an earnest endeavor with some curious attributes, a tad of quirkiness, a spritz of fantasy, two righteous babes, and a solid finish. Will work best for lovers of the romantic comedy genre.

There could be hope...

[Wood-20 · 7/10 · 8 December 1999]

I found this movie to be realistic in it's apporach to broken relationships. The movie carried you through a 'Sliding Doors' type of scenario, and did it very well. I found the ending a bit paradoxical, which caused me to suffer my own uneasiness. I would see it, but there is probably no motivation to see it again.

Compelling romantic fantasy...

[dwpollar · 8/10 · 9 October 2001]

1st watched 10/9/2001 - 8 out of 10(Dir-Maria Ripoll): Compelling romantic fantasy which keeps you interested all the way to the end. Believable characters played by little known British actors with Penelope Cruz playing the love interest near the end of the Movie. The story is basically about love gone bad, but is given a second chance by some interesting characters at a junkyard similar to the theme of the TV show `Twice in a Lifetime.' What is different in this movie is that we are never quite sure who to cheer for. It starts out being a weeper where we are routing for the dumped male character played by Douglas Henshall, then by the end were routing for the forgotten female character played by Lena Heady. It seems to be about how life gives us many chances to redeem ourselves despite our mistakes, with the two characters from the junkyard representing that `entity' that gives us the second chance. Definitely not a Hollywood-made romantic comedy because of the way that we are twisted from one character to the other in our loyalty and we are made to think about real life rather than just smiling about the played out fantasy-type life that never really happens(Aka - American made romantic comedies). These are the kinds of movies that made me a movie buff but they seem to be hard to find these days in our predictable Hollywood-glamorized video stores(look for this one in the comedy racks despite it's multi-faceted themes and multi-genred experience.)

Charming.

[darrengoh · 8/10 · 6 May 2001]

I wrote a review for this movie, it got lost somehow and never showed up. I like this movie so much I have to rewrite it again. First of all, I do not agree that this is a depressing movie. It's rather charming and fun, the story is unpredictable, great acting and beautiful girls. Many of us have lost someone important because of our own mistake and wish to be given a second chance to make things right. This movie give me a new prospective, to move on with live with new enthusiasm and not to dwell on the past, as Victor said "I am not stuck anymore".

Clever and romantic, a bit of a twister

[demimonde_nc · 8/10 · 20 June 2001]

This is far from the brainiest movie I've ever seen. But I admire

romantic movies with unpredictable outcomes, and this one falls

in that category. If you are looking for the dark psychology of Fight

Club or the all-out strangeness of Being John Malkovich, look

elsewhere. If you are a movie snob or are into gritty realism, you

will HATE this movie. IF, however, you did like Sliding Doors,

Mystery Date, Notting Hill, or (I hate to say it) Chances Are, you

should come away from this movie totally satisfied. I enjoyed it

enough to watch it last night when I came across it on some HBO

channel, though I had seen it already a year ago, and I guess that

says something.

Magical!

[RoboSlater · 9/10 · 23 October 2001]

This is a movie that has earned repeated viewings. A great pick-me-up or a wonderful "date" movie. My friends are wild about the world music soundtrack, Penelope Cruz is at her mousy best, and the feelings and situations are real... the magic is the gravy. Reminiscent of Groundhog Day and Sliding Doors. Yes, definitely reminiscent of those two movies.

Penelope Cruz- A star is born!

[deshaver-2 · 8/10 · 13 December 1999]

I rented this film because it had a nice message; the hopeless romantic gets a second chance at love. I was taken by the beautiful and talented Penelope Cruz, her mix of shyness and beauty make her all the more alluring. Cruz and Lena Headey are two up and comers and I very much look forward to seeing their future work. By the way, I would give this film 8 out of ten.

Cute with a very specific appeal

[KathyB-2 · 8/10 · 5 July 1999]

This is a cute film which is very enjoyable to watch. I wondered though if I formed part of a very select group of people who would enjoy it as much as I did. I saw it in Spain (in original version of course), where I was living at the time, which added to my appreciation of its "Spanishness". I am, nevertheless, English and enjoyed something peculiarly English about the whole thing, the self-deprecating humour as well as the great shots of London, (NOT the Tower or Big Ben, just ordinary real London) including the Notting Hill Carnival. And I think only the English can truly appreciate how near the bone the parodied BBC sitcom in which the main character becomes embroiled is.

I felt that to enjoy the film as I did, you have to bring together a number of different strands. For example, personal experience of both English and Spanish culture. And, speaking of culture, it helps if you are familiar with "Don Quijote". Add to this a penchant for both romantic comedy and bizarre fantasy worlds (for any fans of "Stig of the Dump" this has a scene a little like that for grown-ups) and you can really enjoy this film.

A peculiar title in English, by the way. In Spanish the title means "Rain in your shoes" (more or less) which emphasises the time travel element less and makes it a little more mysterious, I feel. The English sounds a bit hackneyed in my opinion. I thought I had read somewhere that it was called "The man with rain in his shoes", though this is a bit of a mouthful I must admit.

Great and Surprising Movie

[marc.dierens · 9/10 · 20 August 2001]

At first I thought that this movie was turning into a disappointment, but gradually I started to like this film, and the way the characters are well written. There is a lot of humour in the movie, but the main storyline is one that sets you thinking about past relationships (at least I started to). The end is predictable, but not bothering at all.

This movie is highly recommended, if you can not decide what to rent, ask for this title, and you will not be disappointed.