While You Were Sleeping – A RomCom Icon that Will Make You Smile

Anytime Sandra Bullock plays in a film I take notice. In part this is surely thanks to one of the rare romantic-comedies I was able to see as a young teen. For most all of us, I’d guess While You Were Sleeping is a classic kind of like our favorite comfortable sweater – and with good reason, too!

While You Were Sleeping (1995) Film Review

From the first time he dropped a subway token in her booth, Lucy Eleanor Moderatz (Bullock) has been hopelessly in love with Mr. Right. Only trouble is, even though she sees him every day, she doesn’t really know who he is. This changes after he’s pushed onto the tracks, and Lucy rescues this handsome stranger. This stranger is Peter Callaghan (Peter Gallagher), a successful lawyer whose family is just a little bit eccentric. Through a series of misunderstandings, Lucy is mistaken as Peter’s fiancée!

With Peter in a coma and Lucy unable to tell the truth, she is caught up in the lie. Not only that, but she finds this family welcomes her into their lives. To leave the comfort of this family’s embrace scares Lucy, and then her life further changes when she meets Jack (Bill Pullman), Peter’s bother.

I’ll be honest, I’m a fan of modern cinema because everything from the early 2000s and on down the line is, to me, so dated. It probably doesn’t help that I don’t care for the fashion from many of the past modern (70s-2000s) eras of filmmaking, plus anything that requires special effects is usually cringe worthy by comparison. That said, there is a few movies that enchant me no matter how many times I see them or how dated they are. While You Were Sleeping is one of these movies.

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For many years now silver screen’s “American Sweetheart” is a title Sandra Bullock wears well. She’s also still extremely talented, with many a role to her name that moviegoers know well. However I’m not sure she’s any better than she is in this role as Lucy. In this character, audiences find someone they can relate to. She been through highs and lows, has a litany of “someday” dreams, and hopes to find the right Prince Charming. It helps that it’s someone like Bullock who brings this character to life. In Lucy, we meet the best friend we all wish we had.

Whether it’s the iconic promotional image at the train tracks or the cast, chances are, you’ve heard of this film. It’s as nostalgic as its plot and movie stills suggest, with a top quality cast. Of course, I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the many moments you’ll swoon over in this film. None of the moments are fueled by loud sparks, but they each have something much deeper, which is what makes them shine. It’s the kind of old-fashioned romance we romantics long for from romantic comedies.

With its familial themes (another element we relate to is the dysfunctional family dynamics; which are hilarious and memorable) and romance, this one earns its “classic” status. Whether it’s the simplistic albeit genuine romance or the Christmas setting, this film sparkles. Best of all, it’s the kind of story that transcends its setting. No matter the season or day, this is the ideal film to cozy up with on a lazy afternoon. It’s smart, romantic (did I mention this?), and sure to pull on those heartstrings all while leaving us with a smile.

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Photos: Buena Vista Pictures / Hollywood Pictures