"Nobody expects a Spanish inquisition..."      

SLIDING DOORS (PG-13) 

Reviewed April 25, 1998 - Check out the Sliding Doors web site.

Helen Quilley (Gwyneth Paltrow) has just been fired from her job as a London advertising executive.  "Sacked," as they say.  Heading home dejectedly, Helen rushes to catch an Underground commuter train.  As she runs down the stairs towards the train, her path is blocked by a small child...and then hher path isn't blocked...  Then approaching the train as its sliding doors close, Helen just misses...and then she just boards...the train...

Confusing, isn't it?

This scene at the train station, this sudden development of two alternate realities, sets up what turns into a witty and charming dual-story film called Sliding Doors.  When Helen catches the train, she meets a charming man named James (John Hannah), and comes home in time to catch her boyfriend Gerry (John Lynch) "shagging" with his ex-girlfriend Lydia (Jean Tripplehorn).  When Helen misses the train, she is delayed on her way home, never discovering Gerry's infidelity and pursuing her life in a completely different direction.

One part romance, one part comedy, and with just the slightest touch of philosophy, Sliding Doors creatively cuts between Helen's two alternate paths in life.  Fate, destiny, chance and choice intertwine as Helen's two lives unfold, and we're treated to a "what if" compare and contrast game that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.  Screenwriter/Director Peter Howitt does a great job with this two-in-one story, thanks in part to some refreshingly engaging performances by Paltrow, Lynch, and the remainder of its cast.  With its generous slices of witty British dialog, Sliding Doors will definitely make you laugh; with its smart interplay between realities, Sliding Doors will definitely make you think.  This is a film that's rich in texture and character, and one that for some reason feels "smarter" than a lot of movies that have been released lately.  You do know what those Monty Python boys always used to say, right?  Well, if you don't, I guess you'll just have to go see this film!

Responses from cyberspace--thanks for writing!!

Beth says: "I loved this movie! Gwyneth Paltrow is one of my favorite actresses ever, but in this movie, she was absolutely incredible! I loved the plot and it made me want to cry and laugh all at once! I only had one question.. what is a spanish inquisition???" (2/2/01)

lentulusgracchus@netscape.net gives this movie  stars: "This is a really exciting, imaginative idea...if anyone has seen this sort of bifurcating plot line before, please let me know....I'd like to rent whatever title you saw! Gwyneth Paltrow and cast give good but not overwhelming performances; they stand in the shadow of the story concept, which is nearly overwhelming. It's the old story of "what if?" Everyone wonders about forks in his own road; what if I hadn't done this or that? Here we get to see it played out on the big screen. Weak ending ("machina ex diabolo", I'd call it) detracted somewhat from the experience; it wasn't really necessary to jerk the plot around like that just to wrap up the story. Still, a landmark film, and a keeper for Gwynnie. " (5/30/00)

jenny gives this movie  stars: "Sliding doors is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. It has a brilliant plot and is well directed. I've always thought of John Hannah as being a GREAT actor but this movie proved him to be EXCEPTIONALLY FANTASTIC. I am defenitely going to buy the video cause I'm certain that I'm going to be seeing this movie more than once. " (4/6/00)

hootiegal@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "A very different movie. Gwyneth Paltrow was very good. John Hannah was a perfect choice for James. I hope to see him in more movies.He can play any role and make it beleivable." (3/28/00)

poppy gives this movie  stars: "I love this film - it is brilliant! (Having John Hannah in it is definately a bonus!!) 'Nobody expects the Spanish Inqisition' See ya" (3/2/00)

ekitshoff@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "This movie definitely turns John Hannah into the Cary Grant of the nineties. This is a movie which provides the hopeless romantic with eternal hope. Gwyneth is her ever-so-gracious self, in a role which many can identify with. This is one which will make you want to look on the bright side of life!" (10/21/99)

Hipygirl3 gives this movie  stars: "It was great movie.My favorite I've seen it 14 times!!It's a little confusting the first couple times you see it but it all comes into place!!Definetly 2 thumbs up!!" (8/25/99)

vicky@homewhitehall.freeserve.co.uk gives this movie  stars: "This is a great movie but it can get a tad confusing. I watched it with my whole family and we all kept asking each other which one was which. It's a decent movie though! You gotta see it!" (8/11/99)

Katie gives this movie  stars: "Sliding Doors was a great movie!! The whole plot and characters were right on the money! Gwyneth Paltrow is my favorite actress and John Hannah isn't so bad himself. I first saw this movie on a comercial and I thought it would be wonderful to see. My mom thougt it might be bad but I rented it anyway. It was worth spending a whole $4 on! The whole idea of the story was made up by a genius! I can't wait to buy the movie. This is a movie I wouldn't mind seeing more than once!" (8/4/99)

chickie109@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "This was such an amazing movie. It is my favorite of all time. I love how it really makes you think "what if."" (7/15/99)

Eileen gives this movie  stars: "This is the AWESOMEST movie!!! I have seen it 11 times! I practicaly have the whole thing memorized. The whole idea is so facinating (and John Hannah's not too hard to look at either:-)) Everytime I go somewhere or make some decision, I can't help wondering "what if", you know?" (7/14/99)

rexyspice@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "I loved this movie...it answered so many questions about my life and made it somewhat more reassuring...yet at the same time it presented a whole new set of questions. It really makes you consider the idea of fate and being good to others and what things will be brought upon a person no matter what path the person takes, if it's meant to be, if others have created such energy, if THEY have, etc...you know what I mean?" (4/16/99)

finkela@stud.fak11.uni-muenchen.de gives this movie  stars: "It is a year now that I saw this film for the first time and I still can't get it out of my mind! My friends called me crazy when I went to see it for the third time but it was worth it and as soon as I can get my hands on the video I will buy it. I think that it would be lovely if someone set up a conversation with me about Sliding doors." (2/17/99)

lilelfgrl9@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "This movie was so great! When I saw it for the first time, I was going through a lot of things in my life and asking myself, "why does this stuff happen to me?" Then I saw the movie Sliding Doors and knew that everything happens for a reason, and that you shouldn't question fate- just live your life... " (1/21/99)

loganjohs@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "This movie is sooo great! I rented it on DVD then HAD to go out and buy it. The best thing about it, is, it's not a TOTAL chick flick. Even my boyfriend liked it. It's DEFINATLY worthy of seeing more than once!!!" (1/13/99)

maggie_154@yahoo.com gives this movie  stars: "I love this movie! The plot is such a great idea and the movie itself is funny and cute. Plus Paltrow is such a great actress." (1/8/99)

jsnensky@stevens-tech.edu gives this movie  stars: "I NEVER pay to see a movie in a theatre twice, but I did for this one! I'm wondering when this film is coming out on video. If anyone could let me know, I'd appreciate it. Paltrow and Hannah are unforgettable in this movie. John Hannah is most unappreciated by Hollywood. I loved him in Four Weddings...and I loved him even more in this. Movies with substance are hard to find these days. I hope we see more from this talented writer/director." (10/27/98)

tanya@perth@wni.com gives this movie  stars: "Loved it so much I saw it twice! Very original, the on-screen chemistry was there, I now view Gwenyth Paltrow in a new light, a truly great actress - but most of all John Hannah was BRILLIANT, he almosts succeeds to upstage Paltrow in this film,loved his natural humour. I'm now a No.1 fan of John Hannah! It was a very 90's, very sensitive and intelligent movie that got me thinking "what if?" 10/10!!!!" (9/16/98)

victoria_87@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "I thought this was a great movie. I loved the idea of showing what could happen if you made one decision, versus another. I can't wait til it comes out on video. This is one I'll definitely add to my collection!!!" (8/27/98)