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 .

"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.