There are two sides to every story. (Sliding Doors (DVD))

Member Name: linzeelou

Product:	Sliding Doors (DVD)
Date:	27/08/09 (41 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Original romance film

Disadvantages: Nothing major

Sliding Doors is a romantic comedy that was released in 1998. It is rated 15 due to some mild sex and nudity and some minor uses of bad language and the film is 95 minutes long.

Plot
When Helen Quilley gets fired from her job, on her way home, her life is split into two parallel universes when she is waiting to get on the London Underground.

In one version of her life, she gets on the train and meets James, who encourages her to company and she makes it home in time to catch her boyfriend cheating on her.

In the other version, she misses the train and while trying to get a taxi home, she falls and hits her head, landing her in hospital while her boyfriend is cheating on her. She doesn't meet James and ends up working many part time jobs just to pay the bills.

The film shows what would have happened in both of the different versions of Helen's life and how they come together in the end.

Cast
Gwyneth Paltrow - Helen Quilley
John Hannah - James Hammerton
John Lynch - Gerry
Jeanne Tripplehorn - Lydia
Zara Turner - Anna

My Opinion
I loved the concept of this film and I think it was something completely different to other 90's films. While being light hearted and funny in places, the story also manages to make you think about your own life and how one little thing can change everything.

Gwyneth Paltrow plays the main character, Helen, and while I don't normally like her, I didn't think she was so bad in this film. It is always obvious when an American actor puts on a British accent, or tries might be the better way of putting it but Paltrow isn't exceptionally bad at it. She was a great choice as the lead role and she came across really well in both versions of her life.

John Hannah who plays love interest James for one of the Helens, adds some nice, light comedy to the film. I found James to be extremely likable and was a great contrast to Helen's boyfriend Gerry, who was played by John Lynch.

As the films switches between the two stories of Helen's life, it can be quite confusing at times. You really need to give this film 100% of your attention otherwise you will find yourself totally baffled. At least Helen looks very different in each of her lives and that is the one aspect that makes the story easier to follow.

Sliding Doors isn't your usual romcom as it doesn't use over the top jokes but instead has little moments that will make you giggle. I really liked that Sliding Doors has a real story unlike the bits of fluff that we are subjected to most of the time. The ending isn't at all predictable which makes a lovely change from the boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after kind of film.

The soundtrack to Sliding Doors really helps to make the film what it is with tracks from Aqua (which was surprisingly used extremely well), Dido and Elton John. The music really adds to the emotions of the characters and helps the audience to connect with the story.

I liked this film a lot more than I thought I would but mainly because it was original with a great script and even better cast. My boyfriend actually liked this one too because of the twists and turns and lack of slushiness.

Summary: Great all rounder