If Only...

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).

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.)

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.

I watched this film before the movie sliding doors and find a lot of similarities in the two films. the only difference is that - taking the learnings from this film, the sliding doors is more planned and the plot more tightly knitted.

i think this does shed lights on the truth about the dating world where men's hearts are fickle and not content with what they have.

i think it is quite a good watch actually. and gave me a positive outlook even after i had a fight with my boy friend - and be more appreciative.

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.