The brain behind this movie is one of the most legendary British screenwriters of all time: Richard Curtis. While he is beyond famous in the UK for founding the Comic Relief charity as well as co-writing some of the most iconic and biting comedy that have since become national treasures, like the legendary Not the Nine O'Clock News, Spitting Image, and Blackadder, he his best-known in the rest of the world for penning the seminal romcoms of the 90s and nascent 00s, including Four Weddings, Love Actually, and Bridget Jones. About Time is roughly in that same ballpark, combining affecting, sentimental warmth with an unlikely sci-fi premise. When Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) turns 21, his father (Bill Nighy) reveals that all the men from his family can travel through time. They cannot, however, change history, only themselves. Lake uses his powers to achieve a happiness in life that he always wanted. However, time travel does not shield him from confronting essential human issues. If you're the kind of person who would enjoy a pleasurable romcom with a time-travel element, get on it. This is classic Richard Curtis and, in this genre, he's the best there is.
Synopsis
The night after another unsatisfactory New Year's party, Tim's father tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. They can't change history, but they can change what happens and has happened in their own lives. Thus begins the start of a lesson in learning to appreciate life itself as it is, as it comes, and most importantly, the people living alongside us.
It is true that this is a romantic comedy – but I still want to argue that it manages to surprise the viewer with its wit and depth. The leads manage to bring the warmth we hope for when watching such a movie, but Bill Nighy as the strange and ever-present father brings an unexpected humour that I think most of us with older parents will recognize. The relationships are realisticly clumsy and awkward, but it never feels forced or done for comedic effect only. A gem of a movie with a pretty great score to match!
It’s a very sweet movie.
Because I loved the movie, a very much biased review:
It’s lovely!! I want to travel through this movie again and again.
Important messages to go back with, from this movie – can’t wait to give life to the ideas I formed during the movie. Reminds us how we live every moment so well.
This movie is very naturally developed, in time. A good rhythm, beautiful dialogues, and satisfying shots.