User Reviews

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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).

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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".

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.

The acting is terrific, and the story has depth. Just a bit slow in the beginning, but nevertheless a great movie well worth watching. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it - she did NOT like the previews to this film but since imdb.com had such a high rating I rented it anyhow ;-))

See it and enjoy !

Victor (Douglas Henshall) has broken up with his girlfriend of 6 years, Sylvia (Lena Headey) after confessing an affair with an actress he is working with. Months later he has regrets upon learning that Sylvia is marrying someone else, Dave (Mark Strong). He tries to unsuccessfully to reconcile with her. Then, through a series of events, is sent back in time to the day before he broke off with her and is given a chance to do it all again. This time, he hopes, he'll get the right result. This is a charming time warp romance with likeable characters portrayed by a wonderful cast. How often we think that we might do things differently if we had the chance. Here Victor is given just that opportunity, and we can observe the humorous and interesting twists of fate that occur as he tries to make things right. There is a superb reggae soundtrack to move the story right along. The end has a nice twist too.

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)

I really enjoyed this movie. I didn't give it a 10 only because I have seen better but it was very good. I loved the plot. A man is given a second chance in his relationship but learns a valuable lesson from it. The acting and the camera work were great. I was quite surprised at how good this movie was. I didn't know what to expect as I chose it on a whim from Amazon Prime. I was familiar with some of the actors but was not sure if this would be a good movie as I had never heard of it.

But it was a delightful movie with a positive message. And it was done very well and professionally.

If you like romance movies your gonna love this one.

Finally a film about love that shows how difficult it is to sustain a relationship, even when you get the opportunity to start over. Just when you think you know where this film is going a twist is thrown in and you are led away on a different tangent. The story, which mixes together romance, drama and fantasy, provides a lot of food for thought long after you leave the cinema.

I sat down to watch this last night, expecting to see the movie with Jennifer Love Hewitt (this one is called "If Only" on this side of the pond), and almost turned it off in the first 10 minutes. I'm glad I didn't.

Douglas Henshaw looks so shambolic that its difficult to believe he pulled a poppet like Lena Headley, but he is a very good actor and gradually the movie draws you in, taking you on a whimsical ride in the style of Richard Curtis, albeit rather more subdued.

My guess is that Penelope Cruz was there to provide American audiences with a familiar name, and she does an reasonable job without ever setting the screen alight. What I'd really like to know though is whether the characters of the Spanish garbagemen came about as a result of casting her, or vice-versa. Either way, it works well, and the resulting story of love, choices, fate and moving on is nicely told, without preaching.

Unfortunately, I worked out what was going to happen about half an hour before the end, and for that reason can only give it 8/10; but it was a good enough film to watch it out, and I'm sure it'll provide canoodling couples with a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours for many years to come.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.