User Reviews

It's a shame that this movie has such a low rating at IMDb, because it deserves better.

"While You Were Sleeping" is the kind of film that must be hard to pull off, because there aren't many of them: solid, well-written and consistently funny romantic comedies.

Sandra Bullock exudes buckets of charm and a whopper of a comic presence as the heroine of this particular romance. She ably carries the movie, even when surrounded by veterans like Jack Warden, Peter Boyle and Glynis Johns.

Those who are familiar with Chicago will have fun with this film, as that's where it was filmed, and you could make a game out of spotting the inconsistencies in the movie if you actually know the city it's set in.

A fun movie to pop in here and there during the holiday season.

Grade: A

This is one of those movies where she waits for me to get emotional. But I had steel resolve, holding back any tears or emotion. Sandy Bullock, you won't break me. You won't.

This was the picture which proved things could be all about Sandra Bullock. "Speed" - one year earlier - showed this. This picture proved it. A lot of people nowadays make fun of a typical Bullock picture and speak of her as negligible in this day and age. They probably forget or were never aware that she was hailed as America's new sweetheart back in '95 and it was no idle chatter. There are very few actresses who can carry a picture on their own slight shoulders - I mean, really make it a success. Sure, Bill Pullman helped, but this really was Sandra all the way, in a sappy, soapy, cliché-ridden slight story of sudden romance usually very hard to buy into. But because Sandra is there on the screen throughout nearly every frame, it all works out, and you're rooting for her happiness in the final few minutes even knowing very well what is about to happen. It's like you've seen it all before, but Sandra makes you want to see it again. We are all very fortunate, those of us who have seen this story, that it was Sandra in the central role and not someone like (shudder) Demi Moore. And if a guy is really fortunate, he may meet someone like Sandra in real life.

A ticket-collecting romantic (Sandra Bullock) pretends to be engaged to an unconscious man (Peter Gallagher) but cannot fool his brother (Bill Pullman).

Romantic comedies are judged pretty harshly. And they probably should be, as they are generally sentimental, unrealistic fluff. But this is one of those rare good ones. Is it sentimental? Yes. Unrealistic? Yes. Fluff? Yes. But it really cemented Sandra Bullock as America's Sweetheart, and may be her finest role. Well, this and "Speed". She is going as strong as ever twenty years later, and it should be no surprise.

Peter Gallagher is a bit off, but Bill Pullman really succeeds as a romantic interest. Odd, but he does it. And the supporting cast is excellent, from Peter Boyle to... well, everyone.

I adore this movie, it's easily one of my favourites. Another reviewer said that the best time to watch it is in the winter, and whilst I'm happy to watch it any time of the year, I would agree that it seems all the more magical when it's freezing cold outside, and you're snuggled under a blanket.

I'm glad no other actors were given any of the roles in this film, it wouldn't have been the same. Sandra is adorable as Lucy. She has no sinister intent, she's just swept up in the commotion and in the end, falls in love with the whole family. Her speech toward the end chokes me up so much, it's completely heartfelt. Bill Pullman also shines, he falls for her gradually and their chemistry is so lovely to watch.

If you want a gentle, unbelievably romantic film to watch on a cold evening, this is the one for you.

Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is a train token taker without a family. She pines for frequent commuter Peter (Peter Gallagher), but never speaks to him. Then on Christmas, Peter gets pushed off the platform, and she rescues him. In the hospital, the family mistakes her for his fiancée. While he's in a coma, she and his brother Jack (Bill Pullman) slowly falls for each other.

This is a perfectly harmless Sandra Bullock rom-com, and she's so great at it. She can make any preposterous situations work. This movie is about Bullock's vulnerable charm. The biggest problem is that Bill Pullman doesn't get in the movie until almost 30 minutes in. They need more time together to develop the chemistry. I don't know why he doesn't get in right from the start.

"While You Were Sleeping" is a delightful romantic comedy that warms the heart and leaves a smile on your face. Directed by Jon Turteltaub and released in 1995, this timeless gem takes audiences on a whimsical journey of love, fate, and unexpected connections. With a charming cast, witty dialogue, and a healthy dose of feel-good moments, "While You Were Sleeping" remains a beloved classic in the genre even after all these years.

The film revolves around Lucy Moderatz (Sandra Bullock), a lonely and kind-hearted ticket collector in a Chicago subway station. Lucy secretly harbors a crush on a handsome commuter named Peter Callaghan (Peter Gallagher), who she frequently sees during her shifts. One fateful day, Lucy saves Peter from an oncoming train accident, but he falls into a coma as a result.

In a twist of fate, Lucy is mistaken as Peter's fiancée when she accompanies him to the hospital. As Peter's family, including his charming brother Jack (Bill Pullman), embraces Lucy, she finds herself caught in an intricate web of lies. The situation becomes even more complicated when Lucy starts to develop feelings for Jack, creating a delightful and heartwarming romantic entanglement.

Review: "While You Were Sleeping" is an endearing and enchanting romantic comedy that strikes the perfect balance between humor, charm, and genuine emotion. The film's strength lies in its engaging and relatable characters, who effortlessly draw the audience into their world. Sandra Bullock shines in her role as Lucy, capturing the character's vulnerability, wit, and innate goodness. Her performance is both lovable and relatable, making Lucy someone viewers can't help but root for.

The chemistry between Bullock and Bill Pullman, who plays Jack, is undeniable and adds an extra layer of magic to the film. Pullman brings a wonderful blend of warmth, sincerity, and subtle humor to his character, making Jack an ideal romantic counterpart for Lucy. Their interactions are filled with delightful banter and subtle moments of connection, creating a palpable and captivating on-screen romance.

The supporting cast, including Peter Gallagher as the comatose Peter and a scene-stealing performance by Jack Warden as Lucy's endearing neighbor, further elevate the film. Each character brings their own unique quirks and charm, adding depth and humor to the narrative. The ensemble cast works seamlessly together, creating a vibrant and cohesive on-screen dynamic.

The screenplay by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow strikes the perfect balance between lighthearted comedy and heartfelt moments. The witty and clever dialogue, combined with the film's whimsical premise, keeps the audience engaged and entertained throughout. Turteltaub's direction ensures a smooth flow of the story, allowing the film to unfold at a comfortable pace while maintaining its captivating charm.

The film's setting in Chicago provides a picturesque backdrop for the story, with its snow-covered streets and cozy urban atmosphere. The cinematography beautifully captures the city's magic, adding a touch of enchantment to the overall cinematic experience. The accompanying soundtrack, featuring a mix of romantic melodies and upbeat tunes, enhances the film's emotional beats and further immerses viewers in its world.

Ultimately, "While You Were Sleeping" is a heartwarming and feel-good romantic comedy that stands the test of time. Its endearing.

I'm so glad that movies like this exist because every now and then you need something like this to relax and enjoy it for what it is.

Sandra Bullock plays a lonely lady who works in a toll booth for the elevated train in Chicago. Her life is so empty that she begins fantasizing about having a relationship with a handsome customer. One day, this customer is robbed and thrown onto the track as a train is coming. Sandra pulls him off the track and accompanies his to the hospital, as he's in a coma. Through a funny mistake, the hospital staff thing she's his fiancée and the problem quickly snowballs when his family arrives and they, too, think she's engaged to their son.

This is a lovely romantic comedy--one of the best of the last several decades. Also, despite this very simple plot, the film does a great job of setting the mood and creating characters you will love. It's very engaging and sweet and I enjoyed it significantly more than SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE (another fine film)--mostly because the film has such a great sense of humor. Oddly,despite having so much going for it, the rating for this is surprisingly low her on IMDb AND Leonard Maltin's guide also gives it a pretty low score. While I may sound like a fathead, I really can't understand why the score is so low as the writing is so clever, the acting excellent and the ensemble supporting cast so sweet while not being saccharine.

A wonderful and nearly perfect film--a terrific date movie or just a film if you could use a laugh or smile.

Ah, I love stories where you can watch a situation snowballs into a preposterous-size-disaster that could crush an entire house. Especially when it is a "drama" problem that can be solved by telling a few people using the right words, but you still wince as it starts to develop and your imagination runs wild. But quickly you know where it's going and the upcoming disaster loses focus.. well, that and the giant movie poster.

I quite like the setting and locations, pacing, the dialogue is good, the charming family and the emotional delivery of the resolution (Sandra Bullock is good for a reason). Easy and harmless watch.

I am not really a fan of romantic comedies. I tend to find them lame most of the time. However, this one is not bad. There's something about this one that sets it apart from others of its genre. It isn't boring, lame or mushy stuff. This one is original, fresh, funny and romantic. Plus, it takes place at Christmas time. Actually, it captures the Christmas spirit and it shows us houses full of lovely Christmas decorations and lights.

This movie is naturally more recommendable for those who like "sugary" stories or romantic stories and even for those who still believe in love. Yet, it is a reasonable choice for those who are unhappy in love or bitter about it.

The soundtrack is quite good. One of the movie's best songs is Natalie Cole's oldie "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)". The opening credits combine expressive and beautiful sights of Chicago with Natalie Cole's old classic.

The actors are generally good and portray generally likable characters. Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman form a perfect couple and their chemistry is faultless. The rest of the cast is not bad too: Jack Warden, Peter Boyle, Jason Bernard (he's hilarious in this movie) and Glynis Johns (best known as Mrs. Banks from "Mary Poppins").

The role of Lucy Eleanor Moderatz was originally for Demi Moore, but I'm glad that it went for the beautiful Sandra Bullock instead. Sandy is perfect for this role. I don't see Demi in this role.

There are many funny moments during the movie, including a hilarious one with a newspaper's boy falling off his bike. Then again, the movie is, in general, fun and amusing, aside some "humor" of discussable taste.

Next time you are depressed, this is the perfect pick me up. If you like watching the same movies over and over, this is great for that also. The chemistry between the two main characters is outstanding, much better than in this year's Two Weeks' Notice. Laugh out loud and cry out loud.

Sandra Bullock is a working girl who wants to travel. She has no family, and is usually stuck doing holiday shifts in the Chicago transit system (as a toll booth clerk on the elevated railway). She has noted one man who uses the station all the time (Peter Gallagher), and rescues him when he is thrown onto the train tracks just before a train comes into the station. Gallagher is in a coma and (due to a well-intentioned nurse) Bullock is introduced to the family of Gallagher as his fiancé. She tries to tell them the truth, but when she learns his grandmother (Glynis Johns) has a heart problem she hesitates. Soon she is treated as a member of this nice family as a member (well, she did save Gallagher, and she is thought to be his fiancé). Only his brother (Bill Pullman) has real doubts, and keeps mentioning them (and keeps apologizing for them. Bullock and Pullman find that they are also growing more attracted to each other. The film shows how these problems are resolved. And it is all done in a most charming manner.

This is one of those films that would take only a few minutes to quickly resolve in the real world, where Bullock would have told the truth early on. But the audience is allowed to suspend it's disbelief because the characters are uniformly likable. Although Jack (Pullman) is constantly questioning Bullock's story, each time she gives a plausible explanation of what is going on, and Pullman likes her enough to accept these explanations. The only one who knows the truth is the family friend Sam (Jack Warden) and he too feels that the news has to be broken carefully (he loves the family and doesn't want them hurt). Oddly enough his one effort at meddling almost screws up the situation in the film for Bullock, Pullman, and Gallagher. Pullman also faces the truth and explains to his father (Peter Boyle) that he doesn't want to continue in the family business. Boyle's reaction becomes important too.

The performances are flawless, and one finds oneself rooting for most of the cast (the sole exception is the actress playing "Ashley", Peter Galagher's actual girl friend). Her opposite number, "Joe Jr." is too comic a figure to dislike (in fact, at one point he thinks Pullman is annoying Bullock and offers to take care of him - not the act of a rat at all). For a sweet, lovable love tale WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING is hard to top. In the last decade only WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, WORKING GIRL, PRETTY WOMAN, NOTTING HILL, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, and YOU'VE GOT MAIL are on par with it, but the family becomes so important to Bullock in the plot this has a special warmth in it that is quite is different from most of the others.

At the beginning this movie looks like another silly watery pseudoromantic one with that unplausible story of a girl saving a man of being killed by a train after having fallen to the railway line and then trying to pass for his fiancee in the eyes of his family while he is in the coma at the hospital. But as far as the plot develops itself we become conquered by the girls simple and naive behaviour and her display of nice sentiments. We become also conquered by the wonderful family of the man in the coma who are such nice people that make us also wish to have had a family like that. Well after little time the story changes direction and takes a somewhat predictable one which is mildly interesting to follow and which I won't reveal here of course. The end is also predictable but it will be dear to very romantic hearts. Well this is not a great movie because the story is too simple for that, the characters are merely sketched and there is no deep insight of minds and behaviours. But it will remind you of those old movies in which everyone was good and nice and there were neither villains nor violence of any kind.

While You Were Sleeping describes exactly what I was doing through parts of this movie. The plot was more predictable than any other movie I've seen, and the acting in it was so monotonous, that I could barely stay awake. This movie was definitely a "chick flick," if even any women could like it.

A sweet and gentle, romantic film about how love sometimes slips in through the window rather than coming straight in through the front door, it's the one that put star Sandra Bullock into contention with Meg Ryan for the crown of America's Sweetheart. And with good reason, because in `While You Were Sleeping,' directed by Jon Turteltaub, Bullock emerges as the epitome of the modern day `girl next door,' in the best and most sincere sense. This is a film that explores one of the basic tenets of the human condition, the need to love and be loved, and makes no bones about what it's trying to accomplish along the way. Clearly, the filmmakers want to make you feel good and entertain you at the same time. And they succeed on both fronts.

Lucy Moderatz (Bullock) lives alone in Chicago, where she has an apartment, a cat and a job with the CTA as a token taker for the train. Her life is fairly uncomplicated and uneventful (read: Dull), and the one thing she looks forward to in her daily grind is seeing a certain young gentleman who rides the train everyday and always passes through her toll booth. She's doesn't even know his name, and they've never exchanged so much as a `Good morning,' but in her mind he's become the Prince Charming she's always dreamed about.

Then on Christmas morning he passes through, but while waiting on the platform for the train he gets mugged and falls onto the tracks, unconscious. And a train is coming. Lucy runs to his aid and saves his life, but the severe head trauma he's sustained has put him in a coma. At the hospital, they refuse to let her in to see him, as that is a privilege reserved for family members only; so in desperation she tells them that she is his fiancee, which does the trick. But when his family-- his rather `large' family-- shows up, her ruse creates something of a sticky wicket. Everything is moving so fast and becoming so emotional that Lucy simply can't get in a word of explanation. The next thing she knows, to the family she is their beloved Peter's (Peter Gallagher) intended (even though he's never said a word to them about her), and because the situation is so frantic and there's such concern about Peter, besides which it's Christmas, Lucy can't bring herself to tell them the truth. So in an instant, her life is suddenly changed; she's surrounded by `family,' and she's `engaged' to her Prince Charming. Even if he is, well...in a coma.

Turteltaub has crafted and delivered a thoroughly engaging film in the tradition of Nora Ephron's `You've Got Mail' (the second best romantic comedy ever made) and `Sleepless In Seattle.' He sets a perfect pace, and presents his endearingly eclectic assemblage of characters in the best possible way-- he makes you feel at home with them. Most importantly, though, Turteltaub manages to make this a `sweet' film without being `saccharin' about it, which would have sunk it quicker than a deflated rubber raft in an undertow. Instead, he pulls out all the right stops to make his film entirely Ephronesque and entertaining, and it works beautifully. The humor is warm, and as the story moves along he builds upon that strong sense of `need' that is universal, then triumphs by satisfying that need in the end.

Sandra Bullock has never been more winning or winsome than she is here; there's a special quality about her Lucy that makes you want to reach out to her. She is, without question, the most vulnerable character Bullock has ever played. There is very little of Annie (`Speed') or Gracie (`Miss Congeniality'), for example, about her; the closest to Lucy of any of her characters, in fact, would be Birdee in `Hope Floats.' That is not to say there is anything `weak' about Lucy at all-- quite the contrary, in fact. There is a decided strength in the very benevolence of Lucy's nature, even in the way she wears her heart on her sleeve and especially inasmuch as she is not afraid to admit to herself what she really wants and needs. This is an independent woman who accepts and meets any and all challenges of life, but keeps an open mind and, above all, an open heart. And that is what makes Lucy so endearing; she's the one who brings a cake to the office to share with her co-workers for no other reason than the fact that it makes the world and everybody in it a little bit better. That's what Bullock brings to her performance here, and it's what makes Lucy one of her most enduring and memorable characters.

As for sliding in through the window rather than coming through the front door, that's exactly what Bill Pullman does with his portrayal of Peter's brother, Jack Callaghan. He's the one who shows up after the fact, as it were, but very quickly makes a connection and ingratiates himself with the audience. Initially, Jack seems to be playing the role of devil's advocate, his suspicions aroused by the fact that Peter has never mentioned Lucy to him; but that begins to change with some very subtle undertones that prove to be extremely effective. And Pullman does a terrific job of developing his character in real time, which makes Jack convincing, and a piece of the puzzle that fits in perfectly. A `character actor' type leading man, Pullman has a resume filled with varied and colorful characters, but Jack is his most engaging role ever, and he succeeds entirely with it.

The wonderful supporting cast includes Jack Warden (Saul), Peter Boyle (Ox), Micole Mercurio (Midge), Michael Rispoli (Joey) and the wonderful Glynis Johns, as beautiful and charming as ever as Elsie. Warm and poignant, `While You Were Sleeping' is one to savor; this one's a keeper. (BTW, the #1 romantic comedy? Bonnie Hunt's `Return To Me'). 10/10.

I am not really a fan of chick flicks. I think they are only good when it's raining outside. However, I am a big fan of Sandra Bullock so I watched it. This film did not make me laugh, or want to fall in love all over again but it sure gave me a warm smile in my heart. It doesn't bore you at all. Entertaining for sure you won't notice how much time you spent facing the screen. I was just surprised Peter Gallagher used to do this kind of role... you know sleeping. Hahaha! I was kinda hooked with his role as Arthur in Covert Affairs. It sure has the Sandra B charm. I will surely watch it all over again, and I recommend it to women who live alone and watch TV with their cats. or to ladies living with roomies. This could bring in some giggle. :)

It's amazing to realize how much the rom-com genre has evolved over the last 10 or 15 years. Compare While You Were Sleeping, for instance, with Must Like Dogs. While still hewing to the traditional rom-com plot arc, the latter has subtlety, wit, depth, and a delicate touch. While You Were Sleeping Does not.

Everything about this movie is predictable, including Bullock's performance. It's interesting to see the earlier work of someone who's been in the business for over 15 years. In her case (as is the case with the bewilderingly overrated Julia Roberts), Bullock seems to have developed a set of pat reactions early on and not strayed too far from them.

The only redeeming feature of this picture is that it's not *completely* insulting to our intelligence. Plus there are some believable, though stock, performances by supporting players. Other than that, it has nothing to offer.