The Time Traveller's Wife (2009)
Infrequent violence
| Director: | Robert Schwentke |
| Actors: | Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana, Ron Livingston, Stephen Tobolowsky, Arliss Howard |
The time-traveller's wife is based on the best-selling book about a love that transcends time. Clare (Rachel McAdams) has been in love with Henry (Eric Bana) her entire life. She believes they are destined to be together, even though she never knows when they will be separated: Henry is a time traveller - cursed with a rare genetic anomaly that causes him to live his life on a shifting timeline, skipping back and forth through his lifespan with no control. Despite the fact that Henry's travels force them apart with no warning, Clare desperately tries to build a life with her one true love.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 107mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (165)
165 Member
Reviews
cc
says
Rachel McAdams is typecast for these types of roles but suitably. Didn't pull on my heart strings as much as I expected.
Steve
says
Brilliant. The way they went from era to era was brilliant. Great story.
Janette
says
Enjoyable love story. Have the tissues handy.
Margaret T.
says
Totally confusing and totally unbelievable, great acting but even the actors couldn't save this one.
Kas
says
I should have taken notice of other reviews! I have no idea why I watched this movie until its ridiculous end. I believe the book is very good. Shall be reading that. I really want to give it no stars at all!
Liz x
says
Not a horrible film, I've seen worse and I felt compelled to watch it to the end..
The plot is probably better as a book, a bit hard to make into a convincing film.
Lee
says
Not as good as the book, but still a lovely story. I am a big fan of Rachel McAdams.
Richard
says
If you've read the book you will be disappointed by the film
David Williams
says
What a load of rot.Even my better half thought it was rubbish.
Vanessa
says
Great "love conquers all" girlie flick.
D.M.
says
Usually when I see the movie of the book, I'll read the book first. In this instance, I'm glad I didn't - though I did read another novel by this author (it was a graphic novel) that I found even less agreeable than the plot of this story. Firstly, on the positive side, Rachel McAdams did a fabulous job convincing that she was in love with her husband, so the romance element, which pervaded the whole movie, was well portrayed. On the other side to it, I thought the movie too 'poignancy- for-poignancy's sake', and after reading something about Niffeneggar, the author of the tale, I think I have insight in how she likes to provoke emotion in her readers and that all seems just so unnecessary. There's probably one redeeming feature of Clare's situation that might make some women at least appreciate sentiment from this movie (at the risk of sounding like I'm contradicting myself) and that is how some are in a position of feeling like their partners are emotionally absentee - sometimes their spouse is there, emotionally speaking, and at other times he's in another place. Maybe that element of empathetic nature was why "The Time Traveller's Wife" became a best-seller and then a film. The filmmakers did a good job with the material and I was not confused by the time travelling as a result of what they were able to produce in terms of a screenplay. If you like romantic weepies, the movie is ok.
x
says
It was good to watch while washing up! thoroughly boring... poor wife, don't know how she did it!
azd
says
An ok movie, not the best but entertaining. It was a bit slow, I think by focusing so much on the love story a few things in the plot were lost or not represented well enough.
Faye
says
The spontaneous time travel was a bit confusing but if you focus on the love story side of it, the movie and the acting was beautifully done and still an enjoyable watch. 3.5 out of 5
Poet Laurieate
says
Have read the book and wasn't sure how this could be put on film but it is a good, although somewhat confusing story of a guy who time travels and therefore meets his wife when she is only 7 years old. Involves disappearing at the most inconvenient times eg: his wedding. It's a good yarn but not the best
Janice
says
A beautiful story. I shed a few tears. I really enjoyed it.
says
bit slow
Mchelle
says
I wanted to get into this so bad but it was so slow and boring !!
Faye
says
I cried most of the time as it was first confusing, then frustrating and so sad at the end
Alison
says
Interesting movie although hard to follow sometimes with all the comings and going in and out of hi time and himself. Did he die at the end or not? hard to tell.
juliekym
says
A lot better than we expected. A nice movie to watch.
Kez
says
Great movie but a little hard to follow at times. Amazing acting and a beautiful story line.
Gillian K
says
I loved the book, but this movie didn't do it justice. It seemed to start off reasonably faithful, but they sanitized the ending which meant it lost some of the most moving parts of the narrative.
Bugsy
says
Jumbled muddled rubbish; if you had read the book (which I haven't) you might appreciate this more, but otherwise forget it. What were Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, two charismatic young actors, doing in such a dog of a movie.
Anya
says
Read the book, the book is great. Don't fuss with the film, it was disappointing.
Clouseau
says
It's a dog! Weird! I couldn't see why you would bother!
Amanda
says
I liked this just because im a fan of the main actors in it...good story line abit slow but if you continue to watch you wont be dissapointed.
Mandy
says
I read the book first and the movie was brilliantly done. Beautifully cast and Eric Bana was amazing!
Laraine
says
Unusual movie. Can;t say whether we like it or whether we didn't.
spotlight
says
Enjoyed this more than I expected - I understand the book is better, but I thought this was pretty good.
Louisa
says
I tend to have trouble enjoying a movie as much as the book so that probably brought the rating down for me. Though it was intentional by the director to focus on the romance story I think I put a lot of pieces together because I had read the book regarding Eric's character. I think a good romance story can still allow for a more sci-fi feel if worked on further.
Bavin
says
Once you accept the basic premise that a person can travel through time spontaneously without having any control over it, you are in for a romantic and gut-wrenching movie. The time travel is handled consistently and sometimes amusingly because Henry's clothes do not travel with him so he arrives naked. It's interesting how Clare tries to make a normal relationship out of her predicament. She is in love with Henry but she didn't really have a choice as he kept returning from the future since she was 5 years old. The lovers' offspring and his death are intriguingly handled.
Helen S
says
I've been putting off watching this movie because I didn't want to ruin my memory of the book. And I thought this could never be done convincingly in film. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this well produced movie which was just as good as the book. Eric and Rachel were beautiful. I really loved this movie and will no doubt watch it again one day.
Meg
says
Very watchable with convincing performances, a few truly great moments and great plot. Eric Bana is wonderful, of course. That said, if you've read the book, watch with low expectations. Conveying that amount of written material to the screen is virtually impossible. It needed to be a Titanic length movie to do the book any kind of justice.
Sabrina
says
Absolutely beautiful, very moving, had a few tears. but beautiful love story. could watch again and again
Trudy
says
Boring, and dissapointing
sharon
says
Disturbing story with what promised to be a happy ending.
ssonic67
says
Bit slow no rhyme or reason to the story line but still quite watchable. And having Erich Banna appear naked throughout didnt hurt
Annie
says
Worth a watch
Penny
says
A good idea that was wasted. No plot, repetitious and pointlessly confusing
Sarah
says
Rubbish. So bored I had to slap myself to stay awake. Soooo not interesting!
Brenda
says
I tried to continue watching this movie but it was sooooooo boring. Think they had attempted to provide something unusual but it was awful. Gave up after 15 minutes - don't hire this one!
Pam
says
The book is one of my all time favourites but the movie was a good representation of it. For those romantics it is one of the most delightful stories and heart-wrenching... beautifully acted.
kelza
says
Had no idea what was going on
michelle
says
I found this movie very hard to get in to - it got better towards the end
nakink
says
i enjoyed this movie, interesting concept
jowo
says
A very touching movie with convincing acting. The idea that the time traveller could travel beyond his death was hard to comprehend!
Counie
says
shame it's not as good as the book which was really great! Think the concept was way too difficult to try and translate to film
Jericho
says
to confusion for me all this going back in Time
kc
says
I enjoyed it - took a while to get into it, but I was quite engrossed by the end.
Mary
says
The movie is very slow and is not that interesting
lmc
says
I loved this movie. It had me entranced, wondering what was going to happen next. It really kept my interest throughout. Eric Bana was magnificent in the lead role. I will recommend this one to everyone. It was a movie you really had to think about. Some will miss the intelligent ironies.
ceejay
says
Very beautifully crafted love story. Would happily watch again
Paul
says
Excellent. The time travel aspect made an otherwise dreary romance movie interesting. Clever writing worthy of the current series of Doctor Who.
Neen123
says
Most useless film I've seen recently unless you count "I am Number 4". Blah!
Linds
says
Gave it 45 minutes. So boring !
Jude
says
Forgettable, confusing. Didn't even bother watching to the end.
Howard Morgan
says
Excellent movie, good acting and a very good plot without over-emphasing the sci-fi aspect which played an important part of the story. Eric Bana again proving his versatility as a very good actor, A love story with a wonderful twist.
Lyn Maher
says
Enjoyable and worth a watch.
JaneS
says
I'm not one normally for romance, but I actually enjoyed this. Even my partner (who's even less into the romantic genre) seemed to get into it.
Mich
says
Good concept but a little hard to follow. I did really enjoy it though, I had a good cry as well.
moviebuff
says
Ok movie, good cast.
dj
says
Kept waiting for this movie to make sense, what was the purpose of the lead character travelling thru time?
Vonnie
says
Very unusual and throught provoking movie, with an interesting plot and many enexpected twists. Eric Bana does a fabulous job in developing his character and connects very well with the audience, the supporting cast is also excellent. The ending builds on strong feelings of family, love, and loss...I felt so emotional that I had to reach for the tissues!!!
Mel
says
The acting in the movie was great by all of the cast. I did find it a little difficult to follow, but enjoyed it so much. I laughed and cried and it had me glued to my seat. I think I might watch it again just to understand it a little more, but very interesting. I just read a review that discussed the book the movie was based on, so now I'm looking forward to reading it. Great viewing.
barbara
says
How could I understand this movie? There is no sound for the voices only the music!! I do not manage lip reading, so turned it off and saw nothing and know nothing about the movie
Geo
says
I am a fan of the original book and had been looking forward to watching this film for a long time. I have to say that I think the book is much better than the movie. Some of the more memorable scenes in the book have been left out of the movie which is a shame. The movie is ok but not great.
McLovin
says
I really enjoyed this one! Great story, great casting, laughs and cries in appropriate places.
heather
says
This movie was a bit hard to get your head around too much tooing and froing.
Acting was good by Eric Bandana. Not our cup of tea.
Louise
says
Down-right annoying movie. Don't bother
sooky babe
says
loved it!!! for people who enjoys crying over a movie every now and then like me (lol), watch this one!
Amy
says
Really enjoyed this film. Eric Bana and Rachel mc Adams both played their roles well and were enjoyable characters. It was a good storyline and was easy to watch.
loz
says
stupid movie!
Judith
says
I really enjoyed this movie, it was a little sad in parts but a great story, I am going to read the book now. The acting was great.
Marianne
says
Boring and slow
Monika
says
quite entertaining but not a favourite
Coralie
says
Time Traveller's wife was a terrific film and kept me glued to my seat. The cast were great and it kept me thinking all the time. Quite emotional as well. Well done and well worth viewing.
Karla
says
Fantastic movie!!
david
says
Rubbish
K
says
I was a little disappointed with this movie. The storyline had a lot of potential but the focus was on the time travel more than the impact that had on the individuals.
johno
says
Women will enjoy this story. Guys will have to put up with it. Really nice story.
Alli
says
Fantastic movie. Eric Banna is great as always. The movie has enough differences compared to the book to keep you unaware of what is coming. A little disappointed in the special effect, the disappearing was not very realistic.
Liz
says
Not being a fan of Eric Banna, I quite liked him in this movie. Although not in the Oscar winning catagory and at times quite confusing in the storyline, it was an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours on a rainy afternoon.
Lyn-Marie
says
This was sometimes boring and I believe a little over-rated
Janice Williams
says
This was I felt a lovely movie. Most movies on time travel the actor can control when and mostly where they go,and their clothes stay with them. The fact he couldn't you felt his frustration and concern. Again a lovely movie and Eric Banner us still looking good.
Matthew B.
says
A well made and entertaining tale about an involuntary time travelling man who falls in love with a woman he meets as a girl in one of his time travels. Erica Bana and Rachel McAdams are really good in this. Actually quite moving.
cd
says
Really liked this movie. I've read the book and thought that the movie was a very good version. Even though the ending was different I still liked it. I thought the ending was better than the books.
fred
says
enjoyed this
bev jones
says
Enjoyed this movie.
Charles
says
bit of a slow non eventful movie, however interesting concept and Adam's is just gorgeous. Easy watch.
bc
says
Hard to see a film when you've read a really good book but this was quite good except the ending is much better in the book
Nicole
says
Shed a little tear watching this one! Enjoyable to watch
Barb
says
really enjoyed this movie
Belinda
says
Really sweet movie. Nothing spectacular but great if you want to switch off from the world for a hour and half and get lost in a soppy romance.
fii
says
didnt like this movie at all :(
thelydstar
says
I found this movie intriguing. I really wanted to know how it would end. As I haven't read the book, I knew nothing of the story other than the synopsis.. Obviously, time travelling is a bit hard to believe, but, this IS a movie, remember! A movie that will touch the hearts of all those who have felt or known deep love. I enjoyed it very much.
baulch
says
it was good
S Hay
says
Confusing movie but enjoyed
James
says
Bland, boring movie made from a really interesting book.
Forbsy
says
Good movie, worth watching 6.5/10
Lisa
says
A lovely story! Get the tissues!
Annette
says
Not too bad. Quite different. Loved the actors.
William
says
The film was a good representation of the novel which hinged on a difficult subject, time travel, but not in the Time Machine concept. In the novel Time Travel occurs in an otherwise very 'normal' chronology of a couple who share a very unusual relationship. The foundation of this relationship if a very deep love shared by the central couple which endures despite the irregularity of the TT's appearances.
j Hayward
says
Was great film really enjoyed it
viewer with taste
says
I really loved thismovie . Notyour typical romcom. Aclever clever movie . Eric Banna surprised me by being so attractive Under-rated with great cinematography.
Kitty
says
If you dont mind a movie with flash backs its enjoyable to watch. Great acting also.
garry carter
says
did not think much of this film,
Sharon
says
This was a real chick flick but loved it just the same, and it was very sad at the end.
SM
says
I didn't think I'd enjoy this story, but I ended up enjoying it.
Maryna
says
Fantastic movie!!
Jill
says
The acting and actors ->10/10... the story line 0/10 .. sorry but this nothing for me .. bored to tears I wouldnt watch it again once was just too much .. genetic time travelling ..please!! -> I half expected Dr Who in his Tardis to make an appearance
Leah Tamindzic
says
Beautiful i loved this movie - great love story with interesting bits
Catherine
says
We enjoyed this movie, easy watching once you understand the flashbacks!
PK
says
I took a punt renting this movie, not expecting very much, I would have a soppy romance on my hands. Luckily I was pleasantly surprised to find a remarkably captivating film. The film entertains a unique concept with a plot which remains unpredictable until the very end. For an action / saga fan, it was definitely a case of “don’t judge a book by its cover.”
yeo44
says
a beautiful love story , held our attention throughout, with all its twist and turns, of the time traveller,s way,
chantalep
says
Was a lovely film but I agree that the book is much better.
TL
says
Beautiful film. Give it a go whether or not you have read the book.
KB1971
says
Had tears at the end - means a good movie for me! Loved that the story was imaginative and unexpected.
mu
says
Quite a good story, but the acting especially Eric Bana was appalling. Spoilt it for me,there was no connection between the main actors,so although it was fantasy it was totally unbelievable.
Kat
says
Overall I enjoyed this film. However, although i haven't read the book, i can imagine that it would do the story better justice than the film can.
Alison.A.
says
Woeful. Dreary. Dull. Do yourself a favour and read the book.
Helen
says
Sat and watch this movie with my 16 yr old daughter we both enjoy it.
Jan
says
I tried reading the book but the story was too complicated. I thought the movie would be simpler. It is but there is still no real story, just a long slightly tense single theme requiring huge suspension of disbelief.
Eyelashflutterer
says
Absolutely charming film. Was surprised, the reviews weren't very good on Rotten Tomatoes or by the critics when it was released. But its delightful. Have tissues nearby ......
Cheryl
says
Love this movie - not as good as the book, but a great movie.
Jess
says
BEAUTIFUL! AMAZING!!!
Robin McKay
says
Brilliant movie - would recommend.
kathy
says
This was a really excellent movie, even my husband enjoyed it which is strange considering it is a bit out there. Both actors played their parts extreemely well. Would even go as far as saying that I would watch it again .
tracy
says
Excellent, confusing at the beginning, so make sure you focus :) and have a box of tissues
Anita L.
says
This was on OK movie. I was a bit confused though as to WHY he actually time travels. Apparently it is a genetic thing, but is there more of a reason/point to it? I think I might go read the book now and see if it is any better. Not a movie I'd watch over and over again.
Steve C
says
Fantastic movie and a real tear jerker, cannot get over just how well made this is. Strongly reccomend this for a romantic night in.
Alex
says
The director's commentary compares this relationship with the struggles of any relationship. In that poetic sense, the movie is very touching. Even without that, my wife
Nads
says
A very nice movie, touched my heart
Sarah
says
A sad romance, not bad but something I'd only watch once
Megan
says
READ THE BOOK!!
Although I enjoyed this movie as a movie, it does not do the book justice at all. You really have to separate the two and tell yourself that the movie is a completely different story, it just doesn't capture the passion that the book entails. This was a book that I could not put down and one that made me feel real empathy and compassion for the characters, and unfortunately the movie is not a great reenactment.
If I had seen the movie without reading the book first, I'm sure I would have loved it the way it was. Look, it IS a good movie, but if you really enjoy the movies' plot, go and read the book, it will fulfill you after seeing a 'basic outline' of this love story.
4
says
Eric Bana just keeps getting better I enjoyes rgis movie very much
Ruth
says
This is the best movie I've seen since the Notebook, just brilliant!!!
Amanda
says
I was actually disapointed with this picture maximum 3/5 no more
Tanya
says
Disappointing.
nicole
says
i really loved this movie. it was a beautiful love story. i found it fairly easy to follow, even though i havent read the book. very interested in seeing the difference between the to though
Lucy of Canberra
says
Such a beautiful romantic movie. If you like The Notebook, I think you'll like this.
Marg
says
I am interested in reading the book as the movie was confusing to follow at times, and not a lot was explained well. Having said that, it is still a really enjoyable movie with both tears and laughter and enough curiousity to see how it pans out. Recommended.
Ess
says
The Time Traveler's Wife - Royally confusing, could not understand what was happening 98% of the time. However, I enjoyed Eric Bana. Great acting by Rachel McAdams also. Overall consensus: nice movie with some good lines and good intentions, but was left perplexed as to what was happening. Perhaps I need to read the book, because I certainly didn't get the movie. It just didn't appear to work. If you're looking for a chick flick that you don't need to think too much about, you won't like this one. My brain still hurts. Props to Bana for his accent though!
bkt
says
Having not yet read the book, the time line of this movie can be a little confusing to get used to, but that said, I really enjoyed it and thought it was very well done. The two lead actors were perfectly cast and made their characters journey all the more believable. Definitely worth a look!
Linda B
says
Lovely lovely movie...
ann
says
fun chick flic OK for a wet afternoon
Steven C
says
I always wondered how this book would make the translation to film. It didn't. I was never one of the millions who were captivated by this novel but at least in prose it did a decent job of exploring the dilemmas that faced the two lovers. On film it is reduced to saccharine schmaltz. I realise that with a story about time travel you have to suspend disbelief, but the minute Eric Bana opened his mouth his jarring American accent dashed any hopes of believing in the characters and the story at large.
KendyB
says
I haven't read the book but really enjoyed this movie. I loved Rachel and Bana as the leads, the story flowed really well for me, with a good mix of laughter and tears. My partner on the other hand watched it with me and hated it as she couldn't understand the story sequence and became frustrated and angry. So maybe not great for everybody.
Samantha
says
Loved this movie so much. I have read the book which was enjoyable but I really think the movie was probably better. A really nice love story that always has something happening yet the story flows so easily. Definately recommend!
doug r
says
good acting by rachel mcadams and erica bana. romance between 2 main leads was good.
Ann E.
says
Really great movie, difinately unusual storyline and a little of everything mystery, sci fi, drama, comedy, lots of warm romance (but not too mushy) and just a touch of tears, excellently cast with Eric Bana
Gerd
says
"Weird" is the best and only description. It's a constant mental struggle to try and make sense of what's going on. Even with suspending belief about time travel, it's hard to fathom what "rules" the story follows. At one stage the character says he can't change what happens, yet he does! Weird. Worth seeing is the special feature about the movie. Rachel McAdams in reality speaks exactly as she does in the movie, while Eric Bana is pure Aussie (good on him), yet has no accent in the movie. That's weird too.
Sarah S.
says
Loved it. I have never read the book but thought this was a beautiful romance with an unpredictable storyline. Didn't like the ending so much, but that is probably what helps to make this movie so memorable.
Shelley T.
says
loved this movie. As good as the notebook. Great Story
Jennifer
says
Lovely movie with great acting and lovely story
Roslyn S.
says
I loved it and watch 4 times in one weekend!!!!!!!!!
Andrew
says
The 2 adults of the house had read the book (me included) and the 16 year old daughter is just about to, so we were able to go into this with some different starting points. I was ultimately disappointed, as I don't think the movie captured the chaos and uncertainity of the book. He seemed to handle his dispatches through time with etraordinary ease, compared to the book, which had more of an emphasis of the lack of control he had and the troubles he faced when his time travelling occurred. If there was no book to compare to, we could say it was an enjoyable fim on its own. Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams (our new favourite) to good work as the two leads. Great to see Ron Livingston pop up in something - hasn't he changed/disappeared since "Office Space"? Worth watching for sure. 3.5 stars.
halcyon
says
Yep, it's a good ol' chick flick....but you know what?....It's a quite a good chick flick :)
This a movie both the romantic and the sci-fi/fantasy buff will enjoy. The combination of the two quite different genre's is very nicely achieved. I found myself being drawn into the story and the characters and it was only during the "tissue" moments that I was reminded I was watching a romance.
This is a great "middle ground" movie for those times when one partner wants to watch a romance and the other...well...doesn't. :)
Chris C.
says
I much prefered the book to the movie. Yes, the acting was good but it just didn't grip me the way the written word with all the extra information did. I still managed a tear or two.
Lesley L.
says
A great romance movie to watch. Enjoyed the pace of the movie, some tears, some laughs.
Alan
says
If you only watch one romance a year make sure this is it. A terrific story that moves quickly enough to be entertaining and has enough of a grip on reality to make you wonder about that jacket left hanging over the bench at the bus stop. Wonderful performances that any guy could sit through with ease.
Kerrie F.
says
I have not read the book, but the movie made me want to. Great performances by Rachel McAdam and Eric Bana. Some laughs, some tears but mostly just that great feeling you get when you enjoy a good movie - and keep thinking about it for days later.
Tracey C.
says
I'd been looking forward to seeing this for quite awhile. As a lover of the book I was really interested in how they'd pull off Henry's time travel in the movie and felt that they captured it really well.
Rachel McAdams is fantastic in this as Claire and feel that she captured that character beautiful.
Eric Bana is wonderful as well as Henry but as an Australian I can be pretty biased when it comes to Australian actors so hopefully everyone else that sees this agrees with me.
The story is wonderful and even thought it changed slightly to the book I felt it still did it justice.
The ending as I'd imagined was very sad so have your tissues ready. I was in a cinema and could hear women crying everywhere so tried to hold it together. Overall though - loved it!
JM14
says
I really enjoyed this movie. It is very well acted, written, and filmed. Has a real atmospheric feel to it, and draws you into the drama. Have the tissues handy!
Paul S.
says
Great romance story with a time travelling twist. If you are not into romance stories you can still enjoy this one if you like sci-fi. I read the book and was not disappointed by the movie. All the characters were portrayed accurately and the storyline only strayed slightly from the novel, not effecting the overall plot however there was, as usual when adapting novels to movies, a lot left out. Eric and Rachel played their roll well and I totally believed they were in love.