Wicker Park (2004) User Reviews

Agree -- better than expected!

[mei-7 · 8/10 · 26 December 2004]

I hadn't heard of this film before seeing it, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was suspenseful, even "gripping", with a touching and romantic plot. Overall, a movie definitely worth renting.

The film begins a bit slowly but picks up very nicely about 30 minutes into it. There are a few twists and turns that will keep your attention. The acting was quite good, albeit with little-known actors except for Josh Hartnett of Blackhawk Down.

The best part of this film was the clever way the story all comes together towards the end, including the flashback style which was very well done.

If you like this version, the original French movie will definitely impress you

[coolatheart · 7/10 · 3 August 2017]

I really like Diane Kruger, but Monica Bellucci in the original is terrific. It's certainly not a coincidence that the name of the restaurant in Wicker Park where Josh Hartnett overhears Diane Kruger's conversation is named Bellucci's!! That's real respect. The french version is full of comedy, this American remake has next to none. It's worth getting a copy of "Le Apartment" if you enjoy this.

good movie, overall - totally unexpected

[aishahansari · 8/10 · 26 July 2004]

well went to see this movie at it's screen test, where at the end, we had to answer some survey questions about the movie. before going in to see the movie, i thought it would be just another romantic movie but i was soo wrong...

the pace of the movie was just right...with flashbacks and character intro and perspectives on certain situation during the movie was quite interesting to see, plus how the story unravel very much satisfied me as it was totally unexpected...just amazing, plus the camera works/effects just so cool to watch...

i must say this is not your usual love story and it sure will appeal to all movie-lovers and it's just amazing!

A glimpse of stalking

[livewire-6 · 11 September 2004]

I've just come back from seeing what I think is one of the best movies of 2004. I found the story fascinating, the look stylish, and the music haunting.

"Wicker Park" is a tale of obsession on many levels. It is told partly in flashback, so that you have to piece the events together and figure out how far back the action of the film began -- what is now and what was then. The director uses split-screen techniques that enhance the look and feel of the film, lifting it from the realm of the ordinary to the plane of art. A haunting theme weaves its way through this labyrinth of lies, leading to a satisfying (because inevitable) conclusion.

I saw the film with two friends who were of a very different opinion. They found the film "convoluted" and "clichéd". I disagree. It was easy to tell what was flashback and what was here-and-now. But the story is complicated (not convoluted) and does require some sorting out. As for being cliched, I found the film quite the opposite. It could have gone in some trite, hackneyed directions but didn't. And while some people might think the ending is the cliché of all clichés, I thought that, emotionally, it was absolutely right and the only possible way to end the film.

I loved "Wicker Park" so much that I would willingly see it again, to get a better sense of how the story is put together, and just for the sheer pleasure of its look and sound. You might say I too am obsessed.

A Shallow and Corny Remake of a Great French Film

[claudio_carvalho · 6/10 · 16 October 2005]

In Chicago, the former photographer and presently advertising executive Mathew (Josh Hartnett) is closing a business in a fancy restaurant with a Chinese representative, when he sees a woman that looks like his former passion Lisa (Diane Kruger). Two years ago, Lisa and Matthew had a love affair, and Lisa simply vanished when Matthew invited her to move with him to New York, where he had the invitation for a better job, and Matthew is still obsessed for her. Matthew decides to follow Lisa, and when he meets her, he realizes that Lisa is indeed another woman (Rose Byrne) with the same name. Matthew stays in Chicago with his friend Luke (Matthew Lillard) and decides to investigate the mystery.

On 16 October 2005, when I first saw this remake, I wrote the following review:

Although having a confused screenplay and too much coincidences, "Wicker Park" is a reasonable tale of obsessive love. The script, with many flashbacks, has many flaws and coincidences in a huge city like Chicago. The character Daniel is badly developed and disappears from the story, without any explanation whether he killed his wife or not, how he involved with Lisa and their relationship. The two lead actresses (Diane Krueger and Rose Byrne) are extremely gorgeous and together with Josh Hartnett, they show a great chemistry and make the romance work. The music score is great, and in the end, this film is a good entertainment. My vote is six.

Yesterday (08 March 2011) I saw "L'Appartement" (1996) for the first time and now I have a totally different opinion:

"Wicker Park" is a shallow and corny remake of a great French film. The screenplay resolves some points that are not clear in the original movie, but the adaptation of the story is developed in fast pace and loses the mystery and the romance of "L'Appartement", forgetting details and characters.

The worst of this remake is the detail of communication. "L'Appartement" is a 1996 film in Paris, meaning neither cell phones nor e-mails were available at that time. Therefore, communication was based on phone booths or letters. This remake takes place in Chicago and the characters have cellulars. This single premise would be enough to destroy this remake. But the screenplay writer needs to provide explanations and give a happy ending, destroying the puzzle and discussions about the European film.

Comparing the two films, I dare to write that "Wicker Park" is a "fast food" and "L'Appartement" is a refined feast. My vote is five.

Title (Brazil): "Paixão à Flor da Pele"("Passion Near Skin")

Lisa

[jotix100 · 7/10 · 22 May 2006]

Somehow the remake of a better French film should have been avoided at all costs. This film has a disorienting feeling the creators have given it as the action takes place in a period of two years. Some viewers will be lost as they watch the story unfold backward, then leap forward without making a lot of sense.

The story of Matt and Lisa is told in flashbacks. Matt's obsession when he sees Lisa again, after some time, proves to be too much for him, as he has to go back and find her. Matt, who is going to marry the ambitious Rebecca, falls into a trance like state when he follows the clues that will take him back to Lisa. The fact that Alex, a woman who likes to impersonate a friend who has been too kind to her, plays into the plot until everything comes together when Matt finally finds the love of his life.

"Wicker Park" directed by Paul McGuigan sets the action in Chicago during the winter. Josh Harnett, Diane Kruger, Rose Byrne have some good opportunities in the film.

An surprisingly good film.

[queenalanna2424 · 9/10 · 6 September 2004]

It was a lazy Sunday night and the only movies playing were Wicker Park and Super Babies Baby Geniuses 2. Well, I picked the film with a more attractive cast.

After about the first thirty minutes of Wicker Park I was laughing because it seemed like this was the most absurd movie I had ever seen. However, as the film progressed the laughter subsided and intrigue ensued. By the last thirty minutes of the film I was hooked. When it was over, I was surprised that a movie that had started out so poorly ended up being one of the better films I have seen in a while.

If one sees this film, I recommend he/she be patient. I found the overall experience, despite the bad beginning, to be quite good.

4/5 stars

If all people were THAT stupid...

[claudiagutulescu · 1/10 · 8 January 2007]

The world would come to an end. I can understand how in the 13 th century or something someone could loose somebody, because of the communication channels or whatever. But to think that two people who have mobile phones, have each other s addresses can simply get lost because of a maniac is to much. And what was with all those coincidences. The bad person is always in time for everything. The stupid idiots that love each other are always late, missing in action. And what if he went to China and THEN fix his problems??? Was that a problem. ANd how come the Chinese people never called if it was such an important meeting?? I don t even want to start about the airport scene. Embarrassing...

Conclusion: thank God we re not all that stupid!!!

call me on my mobile

[pearly_uk · 1/10 · 9 November 2007]

I have just one major comment which makes this whole movie plot retarded, The two lover main characters can't for the love of god seem to be able to contact each other throughout the whole movie even though both have mobile phones which they use to call the whole freaking world except each other!!! ...eeeehhhm....

Apparently the girl had to leave for Paris in such a hurricane of a rush that she wasn't able to give her boyfriend any notice except from the letter she gave to a total stranger ...riiiighht...

this is the perfect advertisement for AT&T, just show people this film and end it with the comment, "you don't want these totally ordinarily events happening to you?! buy a freaking' mobile phone!!"

Is Wicker Park worth your money?

[futbruin · 5 September 2004]

Wicker Park Pretty much keeps you guessing the whole time.When your watching the movie you would think you have it all figured out you'll be surprised how wrong you could be.This is one of the best movies i've watched this year. The most entertaining movie i've watched this year is most definitely this one it actually keeped me guessing up till the end.Even though this is to be a physcological thriller it is also funny here and there and is also kind of sad.With this said Wicker Park is definitely worth your money.This is not really a family movie but it's good and with Josh Hartnett in it even better.Don't wait to long to watch it,you'll like it.

Great Love Story

[whpratt1 · 7/10 · 10 July 2007]

This film had a great film location in Chicago and the photography was outstanding. Josh Hartnett, (Matthew) is an advertising executive and engaged to his bosses daughter and they plan to get married in the near future. However, Matthew one day finds himself looking at girl from a distance and believes she is a girl he was romantically involved with and is still in love with her. This girl is played by Diane Kruger, (Lisa) and once this couple meets again there is no way you can separate this couple and they quickly become very much in love with each other. There is also a young gal named Alex, (Rose Byrne) who is really stalking Matthew without him even realizing what is going on and Alex manages to capture his attention and he goes to bed with her. There are many flashbacks through out this picture and it becomes rather complicated at times until the picture reveals some very dark secrets that Alex has been keeping a secret.

Good movie

[sallybrat · 7/10 · 31 January 2004]

Saw this one in a movie preview, but it didn't have a title then. It's a great story and I would definitely recommend it. My only qualms with it, and I wrote this in my review when I was at the preview was at there was totally unnecessary nudity. This would be a great movie for teens and students, but the nudity would make me regretful of showing this to minors. Who knows though, maybe they listened to my comment and edited some of it out. I hope so. I am not against nudity, but it was totally pointless in the movie from my point of view. I will go see it again when it comes out and it will be interesting to see how its changed, if it has. But even with the nudity, the story makes up for it big time. I only say that if you want to take younger people, just be on the ball, and when you see something that looks like it might get frisky, just cover their eyes.

It worked for me

[londonaaron · 8/10 · 1 January 2005]

8 out of 10

Wicker Park was definitely enjoyable for me. The main reason being that I felt the pain of Hartnett's character and the joy at the end was so beautiful. Although I don't ever hope this happens to me.

I thought Diane Kruger gave a mild performance. I wasn't sold of her love. But Rose Byne did a splendid job. She sold me easily as the crazy-emotionally-wrecked character.

Because of this I definitely will go out of my way to see L'Apartment. I recommend this film to anyone who wants to see a film that shows how cruel love can be, but at the same time how wonderful love can be!

A Welcome Change

[iamsam103 · 7/10 · 15 July 2005]

Now, this isn't the type of film I would ordinarily watch. But my friend accidentally left the DVD round my house one day, and that night I decided to watch it.

I was expecting a film that would follow the cliché's....a couple, who are deeply in love, are separated by the disappearance. Then the one left goes on a mad hunt for her...probably ending with someone dieing.

However, this film is not like that at all, and is a very welcome change because of it. Too many films nowadays seem to think they have to be full of violence or shocks or death in order to entertain. We learn that Josh Hartnett's character has lost the love of his life, and although has tried to move on, he's still in love with her. Then after a fleeting glimpse of a blonde, he thinks he has found her. What follows is a mystery as he puts his career on the line to find this woman. Great performances from everyone...and a nice change to see a mystery film with no violence or deaths.

I rate 8/10.

Good story but has many plot holes

[lao4950000 · 8/10 · 20 January 2005]

"Wicker Park" has the feel of a romantic thriller. The previews make the movie a lot more sensational than it really is. It makes the female protagonist Alex appear like a psycho/stalker/murderer when in effect she is just a more extreme female version of the male protagonist Matt (Josh Hartnett). The plot long story short is about a guy (Matt) who finally catches a glimpse of his lost love Lisa in a restaurant. Two years ago she completely disappears from his life without explanation. She runs out before he has a chance to reunite with her right then and there. Meanwhile Matt is also being chased after by Alex, Lisa's "best friend". The movie parallels how Matt searching around for Lisa is like Alex lying and manipulating in her attempt to steal Matt away from Lisa. Except in the end Lisa returns Matt's affections whereas Matt doesn't not return Alex's feelings. This movie is sweet and nostalgic and that is what covers up all the plot holes. Plothole number one is a shot of Daniel, Lisa's ex standing outside of her apartment watching who he thinks is Lisa (Alex pretending to be Lisa)taking Matt to bed. Someone as jealous as Daniel would later on confront and beat the hell out of Matt but no, this is false foreshadowing as we never ever see Daniel in the film ever again. The second is not so much a plot hole as a criticism. For someone as scheming as Alex how long did she think she could pretend to be Lisa to Matt when she is also seeing Matt's best friend Luke? Obviously eventually they will all meet and Matt will find out the truth. And that is what happens in the film's climatic conclusion. Luke bumps into Matt and finally introduces him to Alex in the same restaurant we started out in the beginning. Everything comes out and Matt sees that Alex screwed her best friend over and pretended to be her in order to steal Matt. The very end is so touching when Matt and the real Lisa finally see each other you could see the pain and longing leaving their eyes as they finally reunite. I would recommend this movie for the touchy-feely emotions it will leave you with but be warned like I said its not perfect with all it plot holes.

An average remake with a few good things on its own

[deconstructing · 6/10 · 17 April 2011]

First thing you need to know about this movie: it's a remake of an excellent French film L'Appartement. Whether you watched (and liked) the original is very relevant; Wicker Park owes all it's force, originality and quirkiness to it.

This is everything but your usual romantic comedy, though the American version (Wicker Park) tries to be that at the end. Matt (Josh Hartnett) is a successful advertising executive who is about to get engaged. That is, until he sees - or believes he sees - Lisa (Diane Kruger), a woman he was in love with two years earlier, and who left him without notice. Apparently, Matt still has some strong feelings for her, so he starts an obsessive search for her. The film jumps between past and present, showing the important scenes from the perspective of Matt and somebody else, painting an intriguing story about the love and obsession.

The problem is, while it tries to recreate almost frame by frame the French original (while avoiding some issues that Americans find inappropriate, such as heavy stalking and attempts of suicide), Wicker Park also struggles to find a voice of its own. But there are a few problems. First of all, with all due respect, Diane Kruger is utterly forgettable and bland. She doesn't make us believe a man can be that obsessed with her, while her counterpart in the French original, Monica Bellucci, does that with ease.

Josh Hartnett plays Matt as a lonely man longing for affection, and he manages to make us believe he's this average guy so in love with a girl that he can't forget. It's probably worth mentioning he looks quite handsome in this film, maturing from a generic cute boy he was during the Pearl Harbor days. But the best thing about the film is probably Rose Byrne as Alex, the most complex of the characters.

Wicker Park also tries to bring a different atmosphere to the story: while the original is darker, quirkier and has more of a thriller vibe, the remake focuses on strong feelings of love, loss and the need to be together with a special someone. This was a clever choice, because it makes Wicker Park's ending (which is much different than the original) in sync with the rest of the film. If they simply recreated the original movie, but with a different ending, it would have been horrible.

Still, if you've seen the original, you won't be able to watch Wicker Park without comparing the two; and the original is simply a better movie.

Left me itching to leave the cinema...

[Mr-Telly · 1/10 · 13 November 2004]

This film demands your full attention but doesn't deserve it.

The principle character "Matthew" has no redeeming qualities that I could fathom... If the Director wanted the viewer to care about Matthew's love life for two hours it would be easier if Matthew didn't act like a wide-eyed zombie for most of the time...

Josh Hartnett is SO wooden, he should have auditioned for "Team America World Police" or the Gerry Anderson "Thunderbirds" TV series.

Diane Kruger is forgettable (if only Hartnett's character had agreed) but Rose Byrne is a believable psycho and the best thing about the film.

1/10

Rose Bryne plays it perfectly

[norrispi · 7/10 · 14 November 2005]

Anyone watching the portion of the movie where Alex tries to explain her actions and who isn't perfectly captivated by the character that Rose Bryne plays, just isn't paying attention. Her pacing, timing and acting is wonderful...no, masterful. Frankly, for a person like myself who doesn't invest much in movies, Rose's imagery was masterful. Nothing less.

It is not often that a woman can embrace a character as well as Rose Bryne, a character that can be so sinister in her intent and endearing in her vulnerable humanity. Did anyone not watch that movie and, even in her most indulgent intent, not want to hug her when everything began to crumble around her? That is the mark of the perfect actress.

I am now a confirmed Rose Bryne fan. Period.

Awesome movie

[tomsilvester · 6/10 · 29 August 2005]

this movie was absolutely beautiful in every aspect of the word.

the camera-work is extremely well done, and, despite some comments, the plot has no real holes. everything is revealed with perfect timing, and the songs absolutely heighten the emotion of each scene. the characters were eccentric and go to such great lengths for love. i love that. not only do we end up seeing that Alex has motive, we can almost relate to her....although we do not agree with her actions, she becomes more vulnerable and human to the audience.

the best thing about this film is the intensity of the love we feel between matthew and lisa. the anguish they have felt the past two years from being unknowingly torn apart by a vindictive and crushed "friend" of lisa's.

and the end of the movie is perfect, when they see each other for the first time in two years, after a desperate four day search.....she turns, there is the feeling of disbelief, realization, then they just melt into each other and take it all in. i loved it.

this was the first movie i've seen in the theaters in a long time that i came away with SO much more than i had expected. i've recommended this movie to everyone i know, and everyone who's seen it who i know has felt the same way i do....maybe not with as much passion as i do.....but similar.

DITTO

i love this movie

[charissevd · 10/10 · 28 October 2007]

wicker park is such a beautifully crafted movie..it's like an old masterpiece unfold in the modern times but has never lost is classic beauty. the passion is intense and can be felt on every scene, you just feel it as you look closely into the characters that the artist have made themselves of. i love the editing of the movie and how the pictures are arranged to present the plot. it was superb! really amazing! now the movie has made a deep impact on me..i keep reviewing the movie every now and then and will trade anything i do if i have the chance to watch it again. it marks the feeling that love--as we call it, even when lost can still be found and it is the same love that once found--can be lost if it was never meant to be. the more we hold on to it, the more we find ourselves seeking for it and the more we hold it loosely, it haunts us back and all the memories we use to hold on to it. love, in wicker park, is beautiful.

and i wanted to truly thank everyone who has come up with the movie and especially the ones responsible for the song, the scientist..it was just the perfect song for the perfect movie. when i grow old and when i want my kids to learn that true love can wait, this would be the perfect movie...

Wicker Park A Decent Drama With Thriller Elements

[tburke85 · 7/10 · 20 June 2009]

Wicker Park is a decent drama with thriller elements from director Paul McGuigan whose admirable in making this movie about a man who becomes obsessed and puts his life on hold in order to find his long lost love. The cast are good in their roles including Josh Hartnett, Rose Byrne, Matthew Lilard, and Diane Kruger but some of them lack screen time. The movie does have some suspense, mystery, and surprises as Hartnett's character desperately tries to find the girl of his dreams played by Kruger. The pacing was a little slow at times and some of the twists were revealed a bit too soon but except for some flaws this film wasn't too bad. It may not be the greatest movie ever made but it's certainly not the worst either. Overall despite some flaws with character development and pacing, Wicker Park isn't that bad of a film. It could've been better but I feel the good outweighed the bad in this one. Wicker Parker has some suspense, surprises, drama, romance, and good performances by the cast who make this movie worth watching at least once.

Wicker Park: Wicked Movie

[suzie_meijer · 8/10 · 21 January 2009]

I didn't have any expectations about this movie before it started. In the beginning it seemed like an ordinary movie to me, a little boring even. Just another love story. But then I got confused because of the scenes following each other like they were put in a random order. After about an hour and a half I regained my grip on the story. That was the moment I started liking the movie, because (I assumed) I understood and wanted it to end happily.

This movie reminded me of Hitchcock's "Vertigo", because of the confusing sequence of scenes. Also "He Loves Me... He Loves Me Not" popped into my head, when after the first hour and a half things were clarified by, paradoxically, putting scenes even more out of chronological order. The last movie I had to think of was "Vanilla Sky", with its similar confusion about two different girls.

In my opinion, the confusion and clarifying of the narrative makes this a surreal but satisfying movie. 8 out of 10.

A poor adaptation

[dissolvedgirl · 2/10 · 29 April 2006]

If you haven't seen the original french film that was the basis for this movie then please, please, watch that one instead. I wonder what Gilles Mimouni thought of this remake of his 1996 french film, L'Appartement, which starred Monica Belucci and Vincent Cassel. Wicker Park pales in comparison to the original. For some reason, the plot seemed more acceptable in a Paris setting than a Chicago one. And it seemed more believable and intriguing too thanks to the wonderful acting of Belucci and Cassel.Unfortunately, Josh Hartnett and Diane Kruger, or even Rose Byrne were no match for their French counterparts. Those who have given this film a rating over 5 most likely have not seen the original. So please see L'Appartement instead.

its what you think but its not what u think

[punkboy45 · 4 September 2004]

This movie was one of the most unique films i have seen in quite awhile. I really liked the way it was portrayed. It was a very good storyline, from the previews it almost seemed confusing but it wasn't confusing at all.

The scenery was excellent. It was a top notch performance on everyones part. It kept you guessing until you didn't know what to think. It was a thriller, yet had a comedic spark here and there with a twist of romance and a dazzle of drama. It was by far one of the movies that stick out this year that i've seen. Josh Hartnett played his role so well, and the 2 females i wasn't really familiar with their work but they did a fantastic job as well as Mathew Lillard.

Anything can happen in life

[rushdecoder · 7/10 · 12 December 2006]

The movie is about finding a love, which has been inside the heart of josh, bloomed, doomed but still there though he is now another girl's man! It was bloomed by Diane and doomed by Rose. But in the cynical world, no one knows, what is coming ahead.... what is written your fate you cannot change, no one can... neither did josh... he found his adorned love once again and every viewer of it will say- gush! if that miracle would happen in my life!! the truth about me is that, just watching this movie and its consequences, i am waiting for my lost love just like josh... can you believe that i took a decision of my life, just watching that movie? yes, i did!