If you talk about ‘what ifs,’ you’ll be disliked. That makes sense. It’s no fun to drink with someone who only talks about things like ‘If I had done that at that time’ or ‘If I had studied harder.’ However, ‘hypothetical stories’ stimulate the imagination. It’s the type of story that goes, ‘What if there was no such thing as XX in this world?’
What if there were no Edison in this world? What if there were no Osamu Tezuka in this world? What if there were no Steve Jobs in this world?
What if? Without great figures, the world would turn upside down. Would someone else have invented the light bulb instead of Edison? Would movies even exist? What would have happened to manga without Osamu Tezuka? What kind of computers would we be using if Steve Jobs hadn’t existed? “Yesterday” (2019) is a movie that’s like a thought experiment, asking, “What if The Beatles had never existed?” As a parallel world film, it doesn’t require detailed scrutiny. Just surrender yourself and enjoy it.
Jack, a former teacher and struggling singer-songwriter, dreamed of becoming a star. Despite his friends’ support, his live performances were always empty, showing no signs of success. One day, a strange phenomenon occurs: the world’s electricity goes out for 12 seconds. On his way home on his bicycle (his only means of transportation since he can’t drive), Jack is hit by a bus. When he wakes up in the hospital, he discovers he’s lost his front teeth. But that’s not the only thing the world lost—the existence of The Beatles has vanished. Jack is the only one who remembers their music. When he sings “Yesterday” on his guitar, his friends are moved by the beautiful melody they hear for the first time. Soon, The Beatles’ timeless songs, now Jack’s repertoire, start gaining public attention. Ed Sheeran (playing himself), quickly recognizing Jack’s (though actually The Beatles’) talent, can’t help but visit Jack’s home. Seeing the damaged bicycle at the door, he exclaims, “What a wreck!” The front wheel and chain are off, and the rear wheel is badly bent (without a helmet, Jack would have been dead!). With Ed’s support, Jack swiftly ascends the ladder to stardom. However, he struggles internally with the idea of becoming a hitmaker by copying the greats—John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The movie starts as a comedy but gradually shifts into a serious discussion about a musician’s creativity. In the latter half of the film, Jack is given a note by one of the few people who remember The Beatles, directing him to meet someone. Following this lead, Jack encounters an elderly man painting by the seaside and living as a fisherman. While his name is not revealed, longtime Beatles fans will find this scene deeply moving. One can’t help but wonder what songs this man might have created had he lived (but you know who it is).
Although there aren’t many bicycle scenes to label this film as “BICYCLE CINEMA,” bicycles play a crucial role in the pivotal moments of the story. The movie invites you to imagine what a world without The Beatles would be like. Enjoy the film with that in mind, and remember to wear your helmet when thinking about those “what ifs”!
Text＿Hideki Inoue I am from Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. I work as a writer and editor. My hobbies include hot baths, skiing, and fishing. Although I have no personal connection, I am independently conducting research on Shiga Prefecture. I prefer an active fishing style called “RUN & GUN,” which involves moving around actively instead of staying in one place. Purchasing a car to transport bicycles for this style of cycling seems like putting the cart before the horse.
