Jude Law is reminiscing about his breakout role in The Talented Mr. Ripley and the once-in-a-lifetime experience it provided. Looking back, the 51-year-old actor admits he didn’t fully appreciate the film’s significance at the time.

“I kind of took it for granted,” Law shared during Us Weekly’s In Conversation series alongside Jurnee Smollett. “I was, like, a 25-year-old kid thinking, ‘Oh, this is just what films are like.’ And of course, I’ve never had the same experience again, sitting on a yacht, drinking wine in the sun.”

Law played Dickie Greenleaf, a wealthy playboy basking in the luxury of 1950s Italy, far removed from the constraints of his overbearing parents. The psychological thriller follows Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), a young man hired by Dickie’s father to retrieve him from Europe. What unfolds is a tale of obsession, deception, and deadly ambition as Tom infiltrates Dickie’s world and attempts to make it his own.

Directed by Anthony Minghella and based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley was both a critical and commercial success, grossing $128 million globally. The film earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and a Best Supporting Actor nod for Law, solidifying his status as a rising star.

“It’s been funny now, looking back all these years later, genuinely remembering the youthful energy and optimism and sparkle of all these actors,” Law said, reflecting on the film’s stellar cast, which included Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. “Amazing, amazing actors. And just so funny.”

While there have been attempts to revive the story, including recent ones, Law believes none have captured the magic of the 1999 adaptation. “Several [revivals] recently,” he quipped with a smile, hinting that the original remains unmatched.

Jude Law’s journey in Hollywood began in the early 1990s with roles in British television and indie films. However, it was The Talented Mr. Ripley that propelled him into global stardom. Following this success, Law went on to lead critically acclaimed projects such as Cold Mountain, Closer, and Sherlock Holmes. In addition to his film work, he’s also known for his stage performances and roles in series like The Young Pope.

Looking back, Law acknowledges how unique his experience on The Talented Mr. Ripley was. The combination of a picturesque setting, a talented ensemble cast, and a director like Minghella created a cinematic experience that remains unmatched in his career. “It was magic,” he said, now viewing the film not just as a pivotal project in his career but as a cherished memory.