If Only (1998)

Not Recommended

Spain/France/UK/Canada

Feature Film

Original Title: Lluvia en los zapatos

Director: María Ripoll

Writer: Rafa Russo

Cinematographer: Javier Salmones

Composers: Bernardo Fuster, Ángel Illarramendi, Luis Mendo

Cast: Lena Headey, Douglas Henshall, Penélope Cruz, Gustavo Salmerón, Mark Strong, Eusebio Lázaro, Charlotte Coleman, Neil Stuke, Elizabeth McGovern, Dave Fishley

On the eve of his ex-girlfriend’s wedding to another man, an out-of-work actor, heavily under the influence of alcohol, has a strange encounter with some mysteriously accented binmen, which results in him being transported back in time to the point at which their relationship fell apart, giving him the chance to do things again differently, in this mildly diverting and pleasingly ambitious if sometimes rather awkward rom-com, which is let down somewhat by Cruz and Coleman’s uncharacteristically bland supporting performances. Iain.Stott