Like a good dream, Sofia Coppola's
Lost in Translation envelops you with an aura of fantastic light, moody sound, head-turning love, and a feeling of déjà vu, even though you've probably never been to this neon-fused version of Tokyo. Certainly Bob Harris has not. The 50-ish actor has signed on for big money shooting whiskey ads instead of doing something good for his career or his long-distance family. Jetlagged, helplessly lost with his Japanese-speaking director, and out of sync with the metropolis, Harris (Bill Murray, never better) befriends the married but lovelorn 25-year-old Charlotte (played with heaps of poise by 18-year-old Scarlett Johansson). Even before her photographer husband all but abandons her, she is adrift like Harris but in a total entrapment of youth. How Charlotte and Bill discover they are soul mates will be cherished for years to come. Written and directed by Coppola (
The Virgin Suicides), the film is far more atmospheric than plot-driven: we whiz through Tokyo parties, karaoke bars, and odd nightlife, always ending up in the impossibly posh hotel where the two are staying. The wisps of bittersweet loneliness of Bill and Charlotte are handled smartly and romantically, but unlike modern studio films, this isn't a May-November fling film. Surely and steadily, the film ends on a much-talked-about grace note, which may burn some, yet awards film lovers who "always had Paris" with another cinematic destination of the heart.
--Doug Thomas
1 Enjoyable
I'd be a liar if I said that I didn't enjoy this movie. Quite frankly, the opposite. I felt that it was well-made and quite funny at times.
However..
In my opinion, it's not the masterpiece that everybody's making it out to be. It's simpliness, and the fact that it doesn't have to be a spectacular, high-budget, adventure movie is brilliant - and a real change from the usual movies at the moment. But there was something missing, something missing that would make this a GREAT movie..
And in the end, I was left unsatisfied.
7/10 - Enjoyable, Yet Overrated
2 Untitled
After seeing this movie most people want to focus on the relationship between murray and johansson. And of course this is how the film is marketed...as a tale of unexpected friendship. But while almost everyone concentrates on this aspect of the film they are being bombarded with a subtle but profoundly conservative message. Namely that what we call pop-culture and/or consumerism is alien and something to be avoided and overcome. The vapid actress, the wanna-be white rapper, the strip club, the photo shoot, the loose lounge singer...all of these things represent different aspects of our hedonistic culture to one degree or another. Murray's and Johansson's reactions when confronted with these alien phenomena are instructive. Johansson can barely contain her contempt while Murray just seems worn out by it all. The look on Johansson's face when she talks with the wanna-be rapper is priceless.
The fact that the two are in Japan is meaningless (except for marketing of course). While it is comical, Japan (with its embrace of western culture) is simply a proxy for the west in this film.
Rent it and enjoy.
3 This show people mixing in a different culture.
The film shows Americans in Japan. It is a very relevant metaphor for today. Japanese society is shown as a model society. It shows Americans community, which starts to become closer knit while they function in a foreign society. It also shows some of the story of Americans succeeding in a foreign land.
4 Men Versus Women
Sometimes you have to be patient with your people watching, and this is the kind of movie that fills that roll. If you are an uninvolved person you might just see these as self absorbed characters... but they are actually a lot deeper.
I found something profound here... although I am a guy ! If you look through the reviews here.. the guys like it... and the girls don't. This might be a reverse chick flick... so if you aren't in the mood for an action flick guys... just get this. My partner and I were at different ends of the spectrum on it. She got bored, I got enthralled. Ms. Coppolla hit on something here... maybe it's everyones middle age angst.
5 Lost in Self-Absorption
Foiled again. I had thought that this movie would involve some pithy and profound discussions on the part of the co-stars regarding life in another country/culture. Wrong! Instead we get semi-Ugly Americans who are too wrapped up in themselves to even try to become immersed in anything more challenging or edifying than lizard-y lounges and karaoke/sushi bars. The Bill Murray character is damn LUCKY to be offered millions to do a commercial in Tokyo, since he seemed like a has-been third-rate actor hardly worth the airfare. Nevertheless, he is caught up in his own pity party. The Scarlett Johanssen (sp?) character has at least the excuse of youthfulness to rationalize her less-than-sophisticated pursuits. She seems refined and intelligent on one hand, yet makes rash choices (husband, Murray) on the other. That sort of impulsive poor judgement doesn't bode well for her, not that this movie made me care.
Don't be fooled by those who assume that since this is not a typical Hollywood blockbuster, that it must be an "arthouse" picture. NOT! It's basically just shlock.
6 Don' t pay attention tot he critics. movie is horrible!!
Probably one of the worst movies I've ever seen. Because Coppola's daughter wrote and directed it, critics loved it. Trust me on this, this is one bad movie. Bill Murray is not a serious actor.....yet somewhow was nominated for an Acedemy Award for this performance. There is nothing even remotely appealing about the movie. A teenager may laugh on occasion, but that's about it.
7 The audience response is as profound as the movie itself
Ever since this film was released I've observed people arguing about its value. Frankly, none of it mattered to me that much. I was curious to see what the fuss was about, but not really that motivated to actually go and see "Lost" in the theater or even rent it for that matter.
Now, after seeing this film, I am fascinated by not just the movie, but also all these negative reviews!
Most movies give you two hours which are a super hyper-condensed version of reality. In many cases this creates an absurd pacing. Humans and events just don't evolve that quickly. But audiences, particularly here in the US, demand immediate emotional satisfaction. The boy always gets the girl, the Americans always win the battle, the bad guy always loses, etc. etc. This kind of plot and pacing is not just unrealistic, it's absolutely monotonous. So many movies in the US are just the same thing over and over and over.
And then a movie like "Lost in Translation" comes along. Coppola slows the pacing so that it's more realistic. She refuses to pander to the expectations of an American audience. She wants to show us what it actually feels like to be an observer in another country that you don't understand. To add to the realism and surrealism she throws in multiple characters who are also having the same experience. All of this is the context surrounding an unconsummated love between a younger woman and an older man.
I'm more saddened than amazed at the hostility towards this film. To understand "Lost" you need to empathize with the characters. You need to know that uneasy sense of alienation when you're in another country and don't a have a clue about what's going on around you. More importantly, you need to know what it's like to be committed to someone else and meet another person you would really really like to get to know under different circumstances.
Most Americans don't even have passports. More and more, Americans on all sides of the political spectrum demand news and media that conform to their point of view. Empathy has become a rare commodity. All of this, it seems, results in a lot of people just not getting a movie like "Lost." Something is wrong with American audiences - something wrong with their psyches, their expectations and their sense of humanity - if they feel they have to hate this movie.
8 For the art-house crowd only
I'll try to make this review short but NOT sweet:
Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) are two Americans in Tokyo, Japan. They are bored, somewhat depressed and unable to sleep. They meet and become friends. That's basically it. The dialogue is boring. The acting is boring. The plot is boring. The scenery of Japan is interesting to look at. There were some (few) funny situations and lines in the movie but not enough to recommend this movie. Scarlett Johansson does a good acting job with her character with what little she has to work with (lack of great dialogue and script). But Bill Murray is NOT a good actor. Bill Murray played himself in this movie. How anybody could think he deserved to win a Golden Globe, be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor is beyond my comprehension. Bill Murray should not be rewarded for playing himself in a movie. The movie did not deserve to be nominated for Best Picture (Academy Award) and did not deserve to win Best Comedy (Golden Globe). What happened to the film industry? Have they lost touch with reality? I actually had to force myself to finish watching this movie and could not wait until it was over. That's not a good sign. If you are the "arty" (art-house) type, you will probably like this movie. But if you are an average/mainstream movie viewer, you probably won't like this movie unless you like boring, quirky films. I am shocked that this movie has been given so much praise and rave reviews from a lot of critics. I guess that's why I like this website because I think it can be a more accurate viewpoint for people with all kinds of different tastes.
Just because a movie is considered a work of "art" doesn't mean it is appealing in any way or interesting enough to be a movie. It seems to me that this is becoming a trend now to make movies without anything really interesting going on. It should at LEAST be interesting and maybe have something to say or have an impact on you in some way that you can't forget it. I guess I put a lot of importance on a movie being interesting or entertaining so that I don't fall asleep. Entertainment value is definitely very subjective and everybody has his or her own tastes. I think it is VERY IMPORTANT to any movie to be interesting or entertaining enough that you would actually want to watch the movie again sometime. I think most people would agree with me too. This movie is NOT a great movie; not even a good movie. Someone would have to pay me to watch this boring and irritating movie again. I'd have to think about how much I'd charge.
My rating: D
9 BORING!!!!!!!
I like Bill Murray and I was waiting for something to happen......anything to happen. The characters were uninteresting and yet we were supposed to feel sympathy for these two misfits???? You're in Tokyo for about a week and can't find anything interesting to do but sulk and complain and wallow in self-pity? You've got to be kidding. Total waste of time.
10 On being alone
Even though I thought Sean Penn did an excellent job in "Mysic River," it's a shame that he and Bill Murray couldn't have shared the Best Actor Oscar that year. Murray gives the best performance of his career in "Lost in Translation" as Bob Harris, a middle-aged actor who's stuck doing whiskey commercials in Tokyo. Bob is bitter about the fact that he decided to go for the easy money in Japan instead of doing something more rewarding for his career, like a play. During his stay at a Tokyo hotel, Harris befriends Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a 25-year-old girl who's just as lost as he is. Charlotte is in Tokyo with her photographer husband who has no time to spend with her. Despite their age difference, Bob and Charlotte share a connection unlike anything either of them have experienced before. "Lost in Translation" is a beautiful almost-romance about two people who are very different in some ways but soul mates in a world of their own. Sofia Coppola wrote and directed this beautiful movie, and Murray and Johansson both give exceptional performances. This is definitely a must-see film.
11 Lonely expats in Tokyo...
I enjoyed Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation" and would recommend the film to those who have lived abroad, especially in Japan.
The story involved Bill Murray's character, a washed-up actor in Tokyo to film a Suntory whiskey commercial for $2 million, and his bouts with insomnia, loneliness and questioning of his mid-life existence. He meets another lost soul, played by the up-and-coming actress Scarlett Johansen, and they have a brief, chaste, yet intimate friendship. She's stuck in the hotel where they are living while her photographer husband is out working.
Much of the action takes place in their upscale Tokyo hotel, but there are some interesting scenes in surreal bars, clubs, apartments, karaoke boxes and a hospital.
Having lived in Japan, I found that Coppola captured much of the intitial culture shock experienced by those new to the country. There is the dazzle of neon lights, indecipherable language, and over-stimulation of music, noise and hordes of people.
I found the range of characters and their English language abilities to be fairly accurate, although I think the doctor at the hospital might have had a better understanding.
If you're expecting a fast-paced film full of action and humor, this may not be the film for you. It is a subtle, nuanced, deliberate tale, with lots of lingering shots of details and on the characters looking out windows and thinking. It is definitely "directed" but I think that Coppola did an effective job. Murray's performance, against type, was also outstanding. Johansen has an engaging smile.
I haven't read any other reviews, but I imagine that if one hasn't experienced what these characters are going through, you just might not get it. Hence the warning above.
12 Sketchy man picks up younger woman in bar, bores me
I'm the only person I know who didn't like this movie, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. But I was bored, bored, bored. I had difficulty identifying with characters that were self-centered at best, downright creepy at worst. These people are in one of the greatest cities in the world, with tons of sites to see and real Japanese people to get to know, but instead of going out and taking advantage of a travel opportunity that few Americans have, they hang out in a hotel bar and seek out the one other white person around, even though that other person is a fairly questionable choice of company. In real life, if a not-very-attractive 50-year-old man sitting alone in a bar was staring at a 20-year old woman, she would run away. But in the weird universe of this movie, he is supposed to be not creepy, and the audience is supposed to sympathize with their little platonic (we hope) love affair. Besides watching their sketchy lives progress, very little actually happens in the film to keep your attention, besides a little comedy in the beginning that soon fizzles out into boring scene after boring scene. And Japanese friends of mine find the comedy offensive, so maybe that isn't to be enjoyed either. I felt the whole movie was trying to make some deep point about life, but I just didn't get it because I felt the lives of this weird self-centered girl and creepy man in a mid-life crisis had nothing to do with my life.
13 The movie achieves its objective
There is only one feeling in this movie: boredom. The actors made a good work about that.. I never felt so bored in all my life. I couldn't even feel pity for the characters! I love dramas but this movie is not dramatic, just boring!!
Well, if you are the intellectual type that loves boring movies this is for you! I am not!!! I don't go to the cinema or buy films just to feel bored.
14 How Japanese may react to this movie.
I am a Japanese and I think this is not a racist movie.
Actually, it's a good one, certainly well above average. However, I feel like I need to explain why this movie may not work for Japanese (although I may not be a good representative as I have been living in US for almost 10 years.)
Some comments that this movie is about two Americans getting lost and lonely in some totally unfamiliar and mysterious place, and Tokyo is a perfect place as a background. This is an excellent observation and I completely agree with it. But this is EXACTLY WHY this movie may not work for a certain Japanese people.
Tokyo was chosen exactly because it is a place where two americans can be naturally alienated more than any other place in the world. Note that the background cannot be just some unfamiliar place. If it's some isolated island outside of civilization, the story becomes more like an adventure. It needs to be at least as modern as major cities in US so that Americans may regularly visit for business reason, but nonetheless totally different from US or western countries in terms of culture and language. Then, clearly, this movie cannot have the same effect on Japanese people because Japan is not such a mysterious place to Japanese themselves, or maybe East Asians more broadly.
This basic idea behind this movie makes it necessary for the movie to focus on and emphasize particular aspects of life in Japan which makes Americans in Japan feel more lonely and alienated. (However, I have to add that Sofia Coppola's description of such slice of life in contemporary Japan is very realistic. No other movie is even close to this movie in this regard. This should be due to her frequent visit to Japan). Living in US for many years, I think this is very close to real feeling Americans would have while visiting Japan, and I actually share that feeling to some extent. But this is where this movie is walking on a fine line. Although such treatment of Japan is necessary for the very theme of the movie, some Japanese may feel like they are regarded as overly mysterious people, although it is clear that there is no bad intention here(and the director even pays some respect to Japanese culture). Then, is it a surprise that some Japanese feel this movie slightly "offensive"?
15 The Best Ever Film!!
I absolutely love this film by Sofia Coppola. I saw it when it first came out in the cinema and was absolutely mesmerised by the portrayal of typical Tokyo and has made me want to go there ever since!! Scarlett Johannson is an amazing actress and plays the part of Charlotte, a 22 year old graduate wondering what her roll in life is, perfectly allowing the audience to feel her worries about life and what her life will bring. Although normally a comedy actor Bill Murray presents his character of Bob with such endearment, and again the audience can feel his worries of life and the 'what next' he and Charlotte are going through.
Though not a typical love story there is love between them and yet despite the age gap there is a great respect and admiration for one another. The films photography is amazing and the soundtrack even better. Definitly my favourite film!
16 Brilliant!
I should point out a few things before I begin this review - actually, only one. I'm not a very bright guy.
Anywho. First thing's first - actually, I really only have one thing to put across. So first thing's last. Lost In Translation is NOT a racist film. I don't understand all these reviews. Did I see some kind of special director's cut? Hmmm...
Well, what the heck. I'll point out a few things. Mwahaha.
1. PC people will always label you `racist' if you enquire into the idiosyncrasies of other cultures etc...They'd be much happier if you portrayed these people [in this case the Japanese] as vacuous husks.
2. Charlotte often complains about not being able to `feel' or `connect' with something [i.e. after she visits a temple/shrine; sees a number of sites etc.] The Japanese come across as culturally alive [e.g. when Charlotte slips into a room and observes the women arranging flowers etc. & they show her how it's done etc]. Yes, Bob & Charlotte are numb.
3. Don't get me started on Bob's wife and Charlotte's husband. Yeah. Yeah. This is a pro-American racist film [sorry about being so blunt].
4. Oh, and that ditzy American actress [she uses the pseudonym Evelyn Waugh]... Need I say more?
5. I really wanna visit Japan now.
6. By the way, I'm aware that even if a film portrays Americans as idiots it can still be racist. So don't bother pointing that one out. I just think Ms. Coppola's done a fab job here.
And there's stacks more - I just can't be bothered. Me brain's too small. Mwahahaha. Silly Ms. Coppola. Why did you have to make such an even-handed, beautiful film? Shame on you. Shame on your family. How dare you sixty minutes!
p.s. I am not a crackpot.
17 a waste of my time!
Wow, this was almost as bad as Punch Drunk Love! Seriously, I watched this movie waiting and waiting and waiting for it to get better. It was one of those movies where you don't want to turn it off because SOMETHING has to happen...but, alas, it doesn't. I recommend that you stay clear of this movie and get something with substance.
18 And I thought American Beauty was a pointless movie...?
Oh My. I have always been a Bill Murray fan. He's made many funny movies, many classics. Here I was expecting some comedy, maybe a little drama even. Two Words, Forget it. It is almost as if this movie were an actual attempt to deliberately avoid being entertaining. Its much like I would imagine sitting in a padded room for two hours. One thing this movie is chock full of, Melancholia. Perhaps that would have been a better title. I realize now the title "Lost in Translation" isn't referring to Bill Murray being in Japan at all, but rather the great divide between pretentious Hollywood elites and the average moviegoer...Do not even watch this movie to see why other people hate it, its so bad.. p.s. it doesn't really deserve a star but I must give it one to post this review.
19 different kind of movie
before i saw this movie i heard both good and bad reviews from friends. this seems to be a movie you love or hate, there does not seem to be much middle ground. i understand why some might not like this movie. yes, it is slow...in a way. there is no action. no big excitement. it seems almost a bit mundane. but, these people are sitting in a hotel day in and day out. there stay in tokyo is relatively free of action, excitement and is kind of mundane. this allows you to better identify with the characters.
which brings me to one of the things i loved about this movie...the character development is fantastic. i seldom watch movies becasue i find many to be one-dimensional, transparent, and shallow. these charaters do not talk too much. when they talk, they have something to say and it is usually gives teh viewer an insight to who they (the character) are.
along that vein, there is not excessive dialogue in this movie. the dialogue is well placed and thoughtful. the music score and visual cinematography contribute to make a beautiful and flowing movie.
so, while yes, this movie is "slow", it is pleasantly slow...not at all painstaking for me to watch. in fact, after i saw it the first time, i wanted to immediately watch it again but did not due to the fact that it was 1am.
as for the anti-japanese opinions expressed on the reviews, i saw none. japan is a very different culture from ours and, as another reviewer stated, for this film to work these characters really need to be strangers in a strange land. what could be mistaken for japan-bashing is really just empahsis on the differences in cultures and societies. nothing in the film should be taken as degrading or insulting to the japanese culture. in fact, the film portrays japan and tokyo beautifully and makes me want to visit the land and the people, something i never really cared to do before seeing this film.
i guess the best thing to do is watch the film and see what you think. i hope you like it.
20 Pretentious crap-ola...
...Offensive to Japanese peeps, features spoiled, self-obsessed non-characters that you couldn't care less about, and is total rip-off of "Walk, Don't Run" (Carey Grant vehicle from '66), to boot.
Think old Daddy-dearest Francis made Hollywood an offer it couldn't refuse...? Does he actually even HAVE any clout anymore???
...And just how DOES a mostly-improvised movie win an Academy Award for Best Screenplay???!!!
...Stuff to ponder, kiddies.
21 Unbelievably boring
I am serious about this: lost in translation is one of the worst movies I have ever seen in my entire life! This movie is going to last forever in the eternity of the worst movies ever made. If you don't believe me, please watch it. You are gonna remember me.
22 Excellent mood piece
I watched this movie once, several months ago. I'm writing this review more about the impact the film left on me over time, rather than an immediate impression.
Several reviewers call this a racist movie that belittles Japanese. I disagree. This movie isn't about Japan or about the Japanese people. It is about two Americans who are lost in a place where nothing is familiar so they are forced to confront their own problems and loneliness because there is nothing else for them to do. This story had to be made in a foreign place, and it could have been Tokyo, or it could have been Bombay, Bangkok or Madrid. But I understand the choice of Japan. The location needed to be where few speak English and where the culture is unfamiliar to the characters and most of the audience. If you put these two characters in a hotel in New York or Chicago they wouldn't have come together. They are so unalike that they had to be in a place where merely being American and lonely was enough to bring them together.
This is a story about two people in a foreign place who are in no position to cope with their unfamiliar environs. That has less to do with who or where they are than the stages of life they are in. Bob is entering a classic mid-life crisis where his career is declining and he's losing touch with his family. Charlotte is young and newly married and is coming to grips with her new identity as the wife of a photographer who has little time or attention to give her and seems to have lost interest in her. They are struggling to find their own identities in times of transition. That's hard enough to do in comfortable, familiar surroundings, but transporting them to this crowded city of strange voices, smells, sounds and bright lights just amplifies their loneliness.
Put these two characters in a US city and they'll find refuge in a bar, a movie theater,a book store, a museum, a ballgame or whatever. But put them in Tokyo and they are lost. They are not in a position to learn or appreciate the new and rich culture that surrounds them. They are looking for distraction and comfort but instead they find themselves feeling lost and out of place.
So Coppola's treatment of Japanese characters isn't racist or demeaning. It is just a plot device used to emphasise how Charlotte and Bob are feeling.
I found the story and characters very moving. It is deliberately paced slowly and is shot and scored to give it a dreamlike quality. It is a story of an unlikely friendship in an unfamiliar place, yet the story is so direct and human that it feels familiar.
This movie isn't everyone's cup of tea. Action film fans should look elsewhere, as should fans of slapstick comedy. This subtle film needs to be given space to seep into your pores and transport you. The impatient and inattentive need not apply.
23 Review for film final
Lost In Translation
She is young, cute, and outgoing. He is married, successful, and unhappy. Together Bob Harris-played by Bill Murray and Charlotte-played by Scarlet Johansson, make up the dynamic duo in the film Lost In Translation. Directed by Sofia Coppola in 2003, the drama/comedy is stunning and full of flavor with the help of the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan. As a great friendship evolves into something that some of us would simply envy, Bill Murray and Scarlet Johanson deliver award-winning performances as the fun loving characters Bob and Charlotte with the help of a great musical score and creative filming techniques.
Bob's life is no more exciting than watching paint dry. Going through a mid-life crisis, the film opens with him receiving a message from his wife saying that he has forgotten his son's birthday. We see early on that Bob has lost touch with those close to him. With his television career going down the drain, Bob seems lost within his own world, which makes great reference to the films title. His run-down battery is instantly re-charged when his eyes fall upon Charlotte while on a crowded elevator. Just seeing Charlotte for the first time Bob's eyes are fixed, almost in a daze, on no one but her. Once they meet and hang out some, something in Charlotte inspires Bob. However when Bob reaches out to his wife via phone, she only pushes him away by assuming something is wrong with him. It would be safe to assume that Bob wanted to perhaps take the first step towards changing his relationship with his wife, but he hangs up regretting he ever called.
Charlotte on the other hand is not as alone. She seems to seek peace within herself since her husband is so occupied with work. As Charlotte searches for a new outlook on life, she also re-evaluates her marriage to her workaholic photographer husband. Early in the film Charlotte visits a temple of worship. Later, when she calls a friend to talk, it's only obvious that something is bothering her, but her friend doesn't notice. Charlotte hangs up the phone and begins to cry silently to herself. Recently graduating from Yale in Philosophy, Charlotte is going through a quarter-life crisis. Her concerns seem to be with her direction in life. Although several years younger than Bob, Charlotte is too looking for a new lease on life. She listens to self-motivating tapes, and is unsure what she wants to do with her career when Bob inquires. Charlotte's witty, intellectual personality sets the stage for Bob's sarcastic, yet almost empty personality. Their uneventful lives end when they begin spending lonely evenings together and hanging out with friends together.
Overall, the film is a great feel good movie. However, disappointing to me was the absence of a love scene between Bob and Charlotte. Understanding that both of their characters are married, I did not see why their relationship could not have included a love scene or continued beyond Tokyo. I guess it is morally wrong to suggest a love scene, but a small one seemed appropriate. In the film, Bob ends up sleeping with the lounge singer. I thought the story would have tickled more fancies had there been a love scene between Bob and Charlotte instead. If their connection were so powerful to the point that they did not even introduce themselves to each other, a small physical scene between them would not have killed the movie. On the other hand, I suppose it is the genuine connection between the two that give the film its eloquent status.
Even without a love scene, the music used in the film is what set precedence throughout the film. From the beginning, as Bob awakens in his cab to see the vibrant and colorful city of Tokyo, the angelic music sets the melodramatic tone of the film. Complementary and atmospheric, the music plays a major role in the film. The music is a part of the film and not just used during brief intermissions or to pass time. The music was more than just a great score. It helped create and to generate the audiences emotions. As Charlotte gets on the train to visit the temple, the soft-rock playing lightly in the background represents how she is feeling at the time, upbeat and feel good. Then as she enters the temple, the soft-rock is faded-over with bell dongs, the beat of drums, and chanting from the monks. Lastly, the soft piano playing in the bar, as Bob and Charlotte poetically connect, is another example of the music complementing the films content. The music altogether complemented the films characters, content, and filming style.
Positively, the most creative and artistic part of the film was Coppola's use of Tokyo's decorative and magnificent city lights. The technique of filming outside of a cars' window to see the reflecting lights on the window is a stunning technique that Coppola utilizes more than once in the film. I particularly enjoy those shots, because it is the city and its color that enhances the films overall character. The massive city, bright lights, and great crowds of people, demonstrates how being lost in translation can simply mean more than a simple breakdown in communication.
Rolling Stone magazine says, "Don't stall on seeing Sofia Coppola's altogether remarkable film", and I must agree. Sofia Coppola's Lost In Translation is fresh, unique, and honestly refreshing. Steering away from the traditional romantic comedies, the relationship between Bob and Charlotte is so instantaneous you seem to forget important things about them. You forget that they are both married. You forget the differences in their ages. The only thing that does seem to be important is the fact that the two of them find great companionship while lost in translation.
Pamela Elam
Life University
Marietta, GA
24 Look at the cover
I watched the movie and was dissappointed. Now I could write a lot of things, but I noticed that what describes the movie best is the cover itseld! Look at it and decide: Do you really want THIS?
25 visually nice, weak otherwise
mainly this has to do with the locations and in even worse case the whole seems to boggle into a travelog. There really isnt much here. there isnt a storyline to speak of and the pace is the slowest ive ever seen. Bill Murrary has a few funny lines and his performance is understated but too much of the movie is spent in silence. Scarrlett johansen is ok as the love interest. The movie seems far to concered with visuals and making the location Japan itself more the focus as if it were a charachter, i couldnt help myself but lose interest.it also doesnt help the movie seems over self indulgent and disconnected. The movie goes nowhere and ends the same way.the movie had the potential of giving Bill Murrary something to do but instead it focus' less on the charachters and more on the art school visual que's. For me its all mostly about the charachters and plot. this one seems lacking in both
26 Not A Film For Dumb People
When I went to see this film I was expecting, based on the preview, some crazy caper movie, like Bill Murray's previous duck-out-of-water movie "The Man Who Knew Too Little." I love that kind of film so I was quite looking forward to a little simple-minded fun. What I got instead was far from what I expected, but considerably more than I could have hoped for.
What I got was a film that truly moved me - for reasons inexplicable to me at the time. What I got was a beautiful visual experience, that left me feeling as if I was actually in the film (a feeling I've never had before with a film). What I got was a story about two characters that I felt I could really relate to and understand on a much closer level than I have seen in other films. What I got was a sense of having seen something truly magical, and when I left the cinema, I felt that I had to see it again. And I did.
I've always liked Bill Murray in almost any role he has been in, but he outshone himself this time. Not since "The Razor's Edge" have I seen him display so well that he is not just a comedian but an ACTOR of quite considerable talent. There was one scene at the end of the film that particularly demonstrated this. The look on his character's face as he watched his friend Charlotte walking away conveyed so much emotional meaning that I could have sworn I was feeling it too. That part of the film alone was worth seeing and it was only one brilliant scene among many.
A lot of reviewers have complained that the film lacked a plot and was "boring." I think they missed the point. The plot was in the emotions and the experiences. This was a film about two people lost in a strange place and lost in their own lives. It was a film about developing a special bond with another person that was far more important than any romance could produce. The plot was in the characters. There are no disasters to avert, treasures to find, bombs to defuse or crooks to catch. It was a story that could happen to anyone. Maybe that's one of the reasons why it is so easy to connect with.
I would remind people that there are plenty of stories out there that are classics in which the plot is not so obvious. Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises" is the perfect example of a story in which there is virtually no overt plot, yet a considerable amount of action is occurring at levels other than those of action. The same could be said for "Lost In Translation."
Yes, sad to say there are no epic gun battles, sword fights, vampires, computer generated effects or fart jokes in this film. There are no cute little Hobbits to root for. Too bad. If you want fart jokes, catch something by Adam Sandler and such. If you want sword fights and Hobbits, watch the "Lord of the Rings" and other such dreck. "Lost In Translation" is not a film for everyone. But if you are interested in films where the characters are more important than the effects (e.g., "Sideways") then "Lost In Translation" will be perfect for you.
And one last point. I agree fully with Clint Eastwood when he said that the Oscars were "Hobbitised" that year. I cannot understand how films such as "Lost In Translation" or "Mystic River" could be beaten by an overblown and ultimately empty effects display like "Return of the King."
27 being lost never felt so funny
I cried a bit of tears at the romanticism captured and portrayed in the movie
I laughed my tail off. Bill Murray has never let me down with his brand of comedy
I must of reviewd the scene where the Japanese guy director says something in his tone of his voice and it's in English. and Bill Murray ( Harris) is having trouble trying to understand what he's saying
Anna Faris is in this movie
she's great in the Scary Movie Legacy movies. she's also great from Married With Children on 1 or 2 episodes. this is where she first started acting. on tv. then into films. Way to go Anna. I hope that the director, actors and actresses get awards for this movie
it's very touching
very sweet
very funny
and very interesting
I never thought getting lost could be so funny til now
I loved the trailer for it
and when I bought this on dvd
it's sooooooooooo worth being in my collection of love comedies ifyou will
if you like Bill Murray see: Groundhog Day, Stripes, Ghostbusters 1 &2, Space Jam, They man who knew too little, Scrooged, and other great movies he's timeless in comedy in
I loved watching this on my dvd player and when I"m in my 90s. I can see myself still being touched and laughing at this great cinematic experience of love and humor put to the movie screen. Great job everyone who contributed to this movie
The scenes and scenery are simply amazing
I could watch this again and again whenever I can get the time to watch my movies.and still laugh and cry.
The director is a genious.
28 This Film is Simply Good
...and that's what I think I liked best about it. Some complain that there is no plot and no jokes, yet wonder why so many of us like it enough to give it 5-stars (or offer it so many Academy Awards). The truth is what makes this movie such a gem is that it doesn't need to come out and smack you in the head with the type of dull, predicatable nonesense like most movies do these days. It reminds me of older films; not in content or style, necessarily, but in its honest simplicity. Why is it funny? Not because its a constant joke machine, but because its just the opposite. Does someone need to fall down, curse, get hurt, or otherwise make a fool out of themselves in order to be funny? Well, to most people yes. The reason why this movie is so funny is the same reason certain scenes in Casablanca are so funny, despite the seriousness of that film's subject: dialogue. Because I haven't watched the movie lately, I'll leave it at that, and asure most of you that if you just relax and don't expect to see slapstick or stupid voices or people acting foolish, you might actually enjoy a movie that is funny in its simplicity.
Another thing worth mentioning is Bill Murray's performance. Many people, including critics who enjoyed the film, thought that Murray's Oscar nomination was unwarrented; that he was simply "being" Bill Murry. That's like saying (to use the Casablanca reference again) that Bogey was just being himself and didn't have to act to be Rick Blaine. I strongly disagree. Murray's performance isn't in your face like most of his, or other actor's , performances. True, he doesn't really have to "become" anyone, but he still has to act. He has to be convincingly lonely, upset, tired, and frustrated, all the while being funny. He doesn't just do it, it does it better than most actors could. I'd hate to see Sean Penn try that, or even Jaime Fox a great actor, but when he does "funny" he can only seem to do a certain kind of in-your-face funny...that's not what this movie needed, and thank God thats not what it tried to do.
Finally, the script. Like its humor, its simply good, and charming. All it asks of us is to give up two hours to watch to lonely Americans who find themselves in the same place, waiting for things to happen. In the end, they become great friends and they decide to go out and make things happen. It doesn't need a caper of any kind. It doens't need explosions or any kind of love affair. This is a character driven Comedic-Drama (or Dramatic-Comedy) and the chemistry between the Murray and Johansen is perfect. I can't wait to see this movie again.
29 Dull Movie
This is one of the most boring movies I have ever seen. I was waiting for the movie to get somewhat interesting based on the great reviews some people were giving it, but it never got any better. It's unfortunate Bill Murray played a part in this movie, because it does not do justice to his comedic talent.
30 Lost in Words - absorbing and romantic
I have been to Tokyo many many times for business purpose. I enjoy its glamourous lifestyle, while suffering from the isolation a lot. And I already knows Japanese, still I can't feel being accepted in that country.
In Lost in Translation, it can very much attract the predicaments for foreigners. (say if you understand what the Suntory director said in Japanese). But what really attracts me its the relationship between Bob (Bill) and Charlotte (Scarlett). They both are great actor/actress, their encounter is always sexy, but never explicit. Only with a good script and a good director that such a shy relationship can be portraited in such a powerful way.
As in the interview Scarlett said, this is a character-driven movie, you don't even need a story, all it takes is superb acting plus superb script and superb direction. The chemistry is movie.
31 worse movie
I normally don't write review about movies, but this one has got me so upset. It was a waste of time to watch it, as it has no plot, not funny, doesn't make any sense. Whoever gives 5 stars rating for this movie must be lying, or need to check their heads. From the beginning of the movie to the end, it was so boring, jokes were not really jokes. In fact, to me it is more like making fun of the Japanese culture and the Japanese people. Oh, we are Americans, we come to Japan, we see your city is crowded, hotel room is too small, shower is too short, walk around I get bumped into a cabinet, my toe turned black but Japanese love black toe, we see doctor for that, don't need to fill out any form at the hospital. Or go to strip club, watch strippers tease and comment them as they were learning how to dance. Or go to restaurant, make an order, but demand a beer, and the food was terrible. Turn on the TV, nothing but some crappy kiddy shows. Japanese teenagers look stupid and play kiddy games. Singer or band from America that really don't know how to sing, but the Japanese love them. Why do Japanese exercise, work out in the pool? Why don't they just jump in and swim like me? Or visit temple, but have no feeling like Japan doesn't have church. Firealarm goes off at midnight while people at sleep like it never happend in America. Every scene in the movie is about insulting Japanese. 5 stars rating must be meant for a movie made to disrespect the Japanese people and their culture. Very upset customer.
32 DO NOT BUY! BOYCOTT ALL FOCUS FEATURE/UNIVERSAL DVD'S!
Don't get me wrong, this is a great movie. But by all means, borrow it, rent it, just PLEASE don't buy it!
Why am I advocating such a boycott? Upon inserting the disc into your DVD player, you will be unfortunately assaulted by a nasty hybrid of the lastest marketing scam and technology; THE UNINTERRUPTIBLE MOVIE PREVIEW.
That's right: While movie previews on a DVD may not be anything new, a complete lock-out of the player controls certainly is! Universal has 7 minutes and 21 seconds of movie previews and during that time, the disc is authored to lock out nearly the entire DVD player functionality suite;
*No Main Menu function
*No Chapter Forward function
*(and, most unbelievably) No Player STOP function!
You can't skip or even stop the player while the preview is running! The only function that responds is the Fast Forward key, programmed presumably with the inane logic that you are going to watch the previews, either in real time of in FF mode, but you are GOING to watch the previews, come hell or high water.
I verified this disc feature on three different DVD players: a Pioneer DV-38A, a Pioneer DVR-7000 DVD-R/W recorder and a JVC XV-N44 all-region unit.
This has to be one of the most offensive marketing tactics ever. Where are the studio marketing departments going to stop? What next? Is some studio marketing numbnut going to have my player opening and closing the disc tray repeatedly, the electronic equivalent of sticking its tongue out at me when I try to pass some inane preview or other marketing content?
Hey, Universal? I stopped going to theaters years ago, with crappy projection systems, dim projector bulbs, shoddy or non-functional surround systems, overpriced tickets & food, cell phone calls, babies screaming, sticky floors, and really bad commercials at theater system volume, not to mention just terrible films. So now, I can stop buying Universal DVD's, too, and post this encouragement for others to boycott you also:
If you absolutely need to see a Universal film, just rent it, don't buy it! Better yet, borrow it! Hit Universal in its pocketbook where it hurts!
BOYCOTT/DO NOT BUY THE FOLLOWING FOCUS FEATURES TITLES:
SWIMMING POOL
ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
21 GRAMS
NED KELLY
THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR
SYLVIA
THE PIANIST
FAR FROM HEAVEN
THE GUYS
DELIVER US FROM EVA
33 Don't expect to be spoon-fed the theme.
What an excellent movie! If you had any interest in "Garden State" or "Rushmore" then you will really be able to crawl into this movie. And crawl you must. Sorry, no express trolley to the underlying theme, or spoon feeding of plot here.
Bill Murray has always been an interesting choice to star in movies that don't sport a hard-core comedy theme, but he is seemless in this movie.
I wish I had more time to work on this review (my apologies, as the movie truly deserves serious accolades) but again, if you had any interest in either of the two movies above, then you should have no problem grooving to this slow-burn beat. (Oh, and the music is fantastic!! Again think Garden State / Rushmore)
Kudos Bill.
34 2 Persons Together can not be Lonely
This movie is about two peaople that meet each other while in Tokyo, Japan. Bob Harris who is a actor that has been going abit downhill lately, both his movie career that used to be better, hence that's why he's making commercials in Japan and not acting full stop anymore, but even his private life is rather boring. With a wife that seems very busy with their children and a love that is almost long gone. The second person is Charlotte (Scralett Johansson) a young girl that has just married to John (Giovanni Ribisi) but doesn't seem too happy by that. He's a photographer and very busy, he rather not have her with him while he works and she's stuck in the hotel room most of the time, doing nothing. Just like Bob, who's there alone and doesn't know anyone in Tokyo.
Eventually they meet up and slowly get to know each other, despite him being a man in his 50's and she a young girl in her early 20's they become soul mates and spend alot of time together, discussing, drinking, going out, having fun. They really undestand each other, like no one else in the world possibly could have done.
This movie is also about life in Tokyo, and Japanese in general. You get to see alot of their culture and the big city life in Tokyo, Perhaps not the always the nicest things but it does give a good picture of the life there.
Sofia Coppola both wrote and directed the movie and it was surely better then the depressing "Virgin Suicides" even if this also was a emotional movie with alot of feelings involved. Scarlett Johansson that I never had seen before was fantastic here aswell, She act so natural and she's was so young. Bill Murray, is alwyas good. Surely a great actor.
Must see. A really pleasant movie for sure.
35 Lost in Translation? You bet ......
This movie is possibly the most over-hyped two hours of dreary pointless movie one can find anywhere in the world today. Firstly the plot. Old guy meets young woman, have a few nights out in the neon lights of Tokyo, go their separate ways. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is that! Oh yes, the film buffs out there will tell you all about its gentle charm, its understated yet magnificent acting and its heart-warming character development but these are merely the psychological yearnings of the weak-minded. That's what happens when you're bored to tears. You imagine greatness in mediocrity. You long to see Bill Murray return as a major star, but try to forget that what you're watching isn't the best vehicle for that. What happened with Lost in Translation was that a poor script and poor idea for a film made it into production on the basis of the director's daddy. The end result isn't all that interesting, is entirely pointless (and no buffs, the point wasn't the pointlessness, but sure, delude yourselves into believing that if you're happy), has no deep insights and drags on for minute after agonising, painful minute. Buy the DVD, then burn it because the pretty colours will be more exciting.
36 Never so "Lost"
Loneliness is one of the most basic human emotions; when experiencing it, some people will reach out to others who understand that feeling. That sentiment seems to be at the heart of "Lost in Translation," a film that straddles the line between odd love story and a look at loneliness and isolation.
Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is a middle-aged actor with a faded career. Currently he's alone in Japan, filming a commercial, and feels lonely and alienated despite the luxurious surroundings and royal treatment. He catches glimpses of a pretty young blonde, Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), who intrigues him.
She is equally bored and lonely, and at loose ends since her husband is away working. The two finally meet over drinks, and begin to bond and explore the city of Tokyo. Bob is in a downtempo midlife crisis, while Charlotte is unsure what to do with her life. And they both learn that they have things to teach one another...
A small warning: "Lost in Translation" has very little plot. And yes, it can be pretentious at times, sometimes politically incorrect. Fortunately, Sofia Coppola's second full-length film has qualities to make up for its improvised plot, with the beautiful cinematography, good direction and outstanding acting by its two main leads. It's a movie that requires patience and slow unfolding.
Loneliness is the theme of this movie. Particularly, it's the loneliness of the soul -- Charlotte and Bob are surrounded by people, yet they feel alone. Hanging out together alleviates their loneliness for a little while, even though their problems won't go away. As a result, some parts of it can feel hollow. But at the same time, it gives the film a more realistic feeling -- often people in such situations DON'T deal with it.
In keeping with the theme, Coppola keeps the movie slow and pensive, with plenty of beautiful cinematography and exquisite shots of Tokyo. The entire film has a slightly shadowy, glowing look. And the quiet dialogue has a witty, acerbic edge, such as when dizzy blonde Kelly announces "I'm under Evelyn Waugh," only to have Charlotte inform her that, "Evelyn Waugh was a man."
Bill Murray rules this film, with his understated expressions and world-weary attitude. It's surprising that someone could act so blase, and yet be strangely charming. Scarlett Johansson proves that she is no longer just another child star, with a solid performance that stacks up well beside veteran Murray's.
Strange, slow and pensive, this is a film that takes some getting used to; it may even take multiple viewings to fully "get." Just soak it in, and see how you like it.
37 The beauty of boredom
If you make a film about bored people, the result is obviously a boring film. And this film is boring, but very beautiful. This film moves you from one side to another. Soon you feel you are going to fall asleep, soon the scene makes your heart tremble.
Well, that is life. In the strange and even unreal atmosphere of Tokyo, karaoke and game machines we have two not so unreal characters (the young wife of a workaholic photographer and a middle-age almost retired actor who is devoted to whisky advertisements). But what is not unreal is what happen to them. We find really hyper-realistic scenes.
Could it happen to you? Of course. To be lost in a strange city in which you have to go for business of any matters is something you (and of course me) can feel. And the only thing you need is human touch, moreover, human presence. It is the necessity of talk about whatever and going anywhere with somebody.
The characters are against all that surrounds them except from themselves. The ambient is hostile, and the global feeling is anti-Japanese, anti-karaoke and anti-neon lights. But they find what they need in themselves and soon the city is the cloak they need to hide in.
Making a film about boredom leads you to unsuccess, even if you treat the story pleasantly and elegantly. So, the final rate must be in the middle. 1 for the story itself. 5 for the development. 3 is the mean...
38 My definition of "set piece" was Lost in Translation...
I had an opportunity to finally watch Lost in Translation last weekend. The movie came out in 2003, in the fall, and I remember many folks treating it as a big deal at the time. Well, I did enjoy the movie, but not in that "big deal" way. It's an artsy movie that I would best classify as a set piece. You could go with the "often brilliantly executed artistic or literary work characterized by a formal pattern" definition, or the "situation, activity, or speech planned beforehand and carried out according to a prescribed pattern or formula" definition...either way, "set piece" is an accurate description of a movie which is so dependent on character and setting, and not so much on plot. Tokyo acts as a crucible by which Bob and Charlotte get to know each other, and they each experience epiphanies as to the nature of their current relationships, but in the end nothing in either of the lives truly changes. Their time together is sweet, and it is nice to watch their relationship grow, and you are left with the impression that they "will always have Tokyo".
The movie reminded me a bit of the work of James Joyce. I know many are big fans of his work, but others, like myself, consider Joyce to be the "Catastrophe of 20th Century Literature". I would characterize his work the same way I characterize this movie: set pieces, with plot subsumed beneath character and setting, with epiphanies replacing climax and with little in the way of thematic structure and thrust. Don't get me wrong, I'm not equating the movie to Joyce...I'm just trying to illustrate my meaning.
Bill Murray turns in a good performance...a believable portrayal of an aging actor. Scarlett Johannson does a good job as well. However, neither actor has to stretch in their roles...that's not the point of this style of movie. Bill Murray's best work, in my opinion, still has to be Groundhog Day. The movie was shot on location in Tokyo, and I recognized many places I'd passed through on my trips to that city.
So, it's an enjoyable movie, but I guess I'm a bigger fan of more plot-driven movies, with a climax to the story. Likely worth a rental.
39 Yeah, I get it
This movie could have been so much better if it had avoided the absurd portrayal of Japanese people. That wasn't good and hurts the film in the long run. Yes, I can relate to the loneliness of these two characters and finding someone to share that with. Everyone at one point or another has felt lost at certain times in his or her life, highschool, young adulthood, relationships, mid-life identity crises...the list goes on and on, but I couldn't understand why these two characters were so weak, especially since they are unhappy with thier lives in America, wouldn't it make sense that they be interested in alternative lifestyles? It wasn't believable that two people in an interesting foreign country would be so fridgid about experiencing the different culture there unless they were snobs. It's a shame that we don't get to see what happens when they get back to America and how they deal with their problems there. That would be a very interesting movie.
40 You'll either love it, or you'll hate it.
What category did it fall into? I absolutely loved it! Despite being told that I might not, and to indulge in some alcohol. I left out the alcohol, and found myself really enjoying the movie.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie, and I groaned when the opening shot was of Scarlett Johansson's butt in a pair of dreadful pink see-through panties. She is now hated by every woman, and loved by every man. Scarlett said that she was reluctant to be filmed in panties until Sofia Coppola modelled the panties herself to show that they would look horrible. The opening shot of Scarlett is actually influenced by a painting by John Kacere, which shows up later in the hotel.
Bill Murray is a master at everything he does (except Caddyshack - don't start!), and my favourite movie up until seeing this was Groundhog Day. He's an older, subtler version of Jim Carrey, a simple facial expression will have you rolling about the floor with laughter. Particularly while he's shooting the commercials, the director is sooooo saying a lot more than just "intensity". Also the gym scene had me crying with laughter, and it got to the stage where it was painful. I loved how none of the Japanese is subtitled throughout the movie, leaving the audience just as lost as the characters. This was definitely a neat trick by Sophia, to really make you feel in touch with the lead characters.
The whole movie is about feeling lonely, not fitting in, stuck in a strange country, isolated in a crowd, and enjoying the attention of a stranger. Scarlett's portrayal of a young wife is spot on. She suspects her husband of cheating; she can't understand the language; can't find anything to fill her day; and then can't sleep at night. The strange thing about Scarlett is she looks positively dowdy and frumpy in this movie, totally different from her glam red carpet persona, but the look is so appropriate for the movie.
Regardless of what another reviewer said, this movie does not poke fun at the Japanese. Instead, the Japanese, although not highly featured, were hilarious, treating Bill Murray's character like some God. Plus, the language sounds really fun, although learning to speak or write it looks like trouble. Tokyo also looks like a really great place to visit, with all the bright lights, but I can imagine it would be also very difficult.
There was a great chemistry between Scarlett & Bill, that definitely came across in the movie, although their relationship was kind of like Thora Birch's & Steve Buscemi's relationship in Ghost World. Which Scarlett also starred in, and boy, she's come a long way! Their characters, Bob and Charlotte, never actually introduce themselves to each other.
Sofia Coppola wrote a lot of the film based on her life. The character of John (Giovanni Ribisi) was loosely based on her ex-husband Spike Jonze. Rumour has it that the Anna Faris' character, Kelly, was supposedly Cameron Diaz, with whom Spike Jonze worked on Being John Malkovich, though Coppola denied the connection in an Entertainment Weekly interview. (Friends fans: both Giovanni Ribisi & Anna Faris have starred in Friends!)
Some dialogue was improvised, including Bill's lines in the photo shoot and his conversation with Scarlett about his Shiatsu massage.
There are a couple of Sophia's trademarks in this including filming the sun coming through leaves of trees and filming from the outside of a car window looking in as the car moves. (Which in my personal opinion, is a really cool effect.)
The film's Spanish title in South America, "Perdido en Tokio", and its Hebrew title in Israel, "Avudim be-Tokio", both mean "Lost in Tokyo", meaning that the titles themselves were literally lost in translation. The reason being that there is no Hebrew phrase "Lost in Translation". An Israeli wouldn't understand the phrase.
In the hospital, the question that the elderly man with the cane tries to ask Bob (in Japanese) is: "How many years have you been in Japan?" Meanwhile, the diagnosis that Charlotte receives from the doctor (in Japanese) is that her toe is fractured, but taping is enough.
The ending of the movie had me in tears, as you knew perfectly well, that it was just a short friendship, that wasn't meant to continue outside of Japan. You can feel that they're both going to miss each other, and that visit will be something they'll always remember. The kiss between Bill and Scarlett at the end of the movie was not in the script, but was an "in the moment" ad-lib between the performers. The whispered bit was a truly emotional moment, and is open to interpretation about what he said to her, and what it meant. I'm not going to do what some reviewers have done & turn the volume up loud, to see if they can hear what was said, or make up rude/stupid things that Bill said. It was the best part of the movie, apart from the gym scene. It was the perfect ending to a terrific movie. I loved the fact it just ended like that between them. Sofia could have gone in a completely different direction, or she could have made Bill actually say something to Scarlett, instead of whispering it.
The extras include: a conversation with Bill Murray and Sofia Coppola; deleted scenes; Kevin Shield's "City Girl" music video and Mattew's Best Hit TV-Extended scene.
This is a really brilliant movie, and I urge everyone who hasn't seen it, to watch it at least once. I want my own copy now. And it's not often I say that about a borrowed DVD. In a few years, this will be considered a classic. Right now, it's just excellent.
Oh, and watch right to the end of the credits. I know it's stupid to watch right to the end just for this, but a Japanese woman waves. Hey, it's no Shrek, but it's still funny.
41 loved it, people just didn't get it
I can understand why people thought this movie was boring. The plotline was unevntful and the writing wasn't oh so fabulous, but none of it matters. It's the message the movie makes that makes the movie so moving.
Bill Murray's character is a burned-out actor, who feels so out of place with his family back in the states. Johanson's character is the wife of a photographer that completely ignores her. The two feel out of place not only in a completely different environment (Tokyo), but in their lives altogether. They're both miserable and have no aspirations in their lives. Neither have a purpose, but eventually the two meet, and build a bond.
Although the bond is temporary, the bond is also forever. The bond is enough for the characters to elate themselves. To give them a sense of purpose and direction in life, and to help them keep going, and really that's the message in the movie. That any moment now, or whenever your in a rut, you can find someone and truly connect with them, and everything will be alright.
42 boring boring boring
this movie sucks people and its not worth the time nor the money.
43 We live in a wild world
I liked this movie more then most people did, but not enough to give it 5 stars....I think 3.5 stars would be more like it. I watched it a few times since it came out and I'm sure I'll watch it again and again. I liked the music, I liked the acting (although there was nothing special about Bill Murray's performance) and I like the point it tries to make. I can really relate with the two characters who are trying to find there place in the world, but it was the connection these two made that hit me the deepest. Making that kind of connection with another human being is a very rare and special thing. This movie also helped me to appreciate my Christian faith more which reminds me that I am never lost as long as I follow Christ. There were many things about this movie that touched me personally because I've been in simillar situations. There were some very humorous moments in this movie as well. The part were Bill Murray got on that lethal treadmill deal was hilarious "HELP!" The only part I despised about this movie was the strip club scene which made me feel more uncomfortable than the main characters felt. I can see why so many people would dislike this film, but I personally could relate with it because of my own experiences in life. One of the reviewers below me had stated that it was a racist film. It's unfortuante that he feels that way, but I would have to disagree. Maybe I'm just another ignorant American, but I found nothing hateful or racist about this movie.
44 Daddy, I want to direct a movie!!!
PLease, Daddy!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! WAAAAAAHHHH!!!!! I want to make fun of Japanese people and feature main characters that are so obnoxiously spoiled and self obsorbed, I could relate to them! DADDY!!!!! WAAAAAAHHH!!!!!!!!!!
And I want an Oscar for screenwriting an improvised movie...
Thank you, Daddy. (Did you make them an offer they couldn't refuse?)
45 5 Stars +
This is my favorite movie to date. I'm not sure why I'm so in love with this movie, but I own both the DVD and the soundtrack. I may be obsessed. I would rate it 100 stars if they'd let me.
46 COMPLETELY LOST on this film...
Folks, I don't own this dvd, but I recently rented it. I have to say it did not live up to the hype. Don't get me wrong, I normally LOVE Bill Murray, but somehow I think this is not one of his better storylines. Blah, very. Or maybe it just wasn't my style? Try it out and see if you agree.
47 Just a boring repetition of orientalism
As a Japanese who studied and worked in Europe for several years and has a critical view about Japan, I was completely disgusted by this movie. It made me laugh to hear the script of this movie got an Academy Award! One can know the level of this award. This movie is so boring, filled with racism and ignorance! What's the percentage of American who can speak perfect Japanese (well, gee, more than 10 words in Japanese)? What about Spanish or French? The main characters do not try one word of Japanese to communicate with people, do not respect people struggling to speak with an arrogant foreigner who makes no effort to really commnunicate with them, and all the Japanese appeared in this movie looked unrealistically stupid and dehumanized. Imagine if Japanese made a similar movie in NY or LA... what would you call this movie? Not many American know that their arrogance and ignorance observed in this film sicken so many people in so many countries in the world - even UK or Australia! It is time to wake up, American!!
48 Masterpiece
Great direction, beautiful imagery, top-notch acting, and a heartwarming story define the masterpiece that is Lost in Translation. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johanssen play two Americans who meet while visiting Tokyo, both disillusioned with their lives and marriages. Their time spent together and the relationship that develops conveys the message that this life we're living contains infinite opportunities and possibilities and that as long as we're alive, we have the power to be happy.
Watch this one with an open, attentive mind, and prepare to be moved.
49 racist trash
let me preface this by saying not only do i not enjoy this movie, i hate this movie and everything it stands for. i have made enemies talking about this movie. i would give it 0 stars if i could, but well at least squarepusher is on the soundtrack, though now i've lost points for him too. my major problems with this movie are as follows: the main characters are jerks(portrayed favorably), its racist towards the japanese, it perpetuates the notion that japan has lost something in modern times (similar to being racist), and its overall pretentious and boring. let me elaborate:
1. the main characters are terrible people. i think i should mention that i lived in japan for a year, studying abroad, yes i'm white, and i've been to almost all the places in the movie (that hotel aside). speaking for myself and my foreign friends who were there, our first weeks there were awesome. its completely different than america (or anywhere else i've been), theres so many places you want to go, you want to try new foods, go out, meet people, everything. people ask me if i can relate to this movie, no i can't. the main characters in the movie were filthy rich, staying at the nicest hotel in tokyo, and didn't enjoy themselves at all. they were nothing but bitter to everyone. the only characters in the movie who were at all inspired (maybe aside from the japanese party people) were the guy with the fishermans hat talking about making hip-hop beats (who they laughed at and left), and possibly the dumb blonde girl (she was dumb, but maybe she had potential?). the two main characters just cried a lot. if you think you can relate to them i'm sorry, get a hold of yourself.
2. this movie is racist, in that all japanese people are portrayed as 1 dimensional, ignorant, and shallow. examples i'm thinking of the surfer guys at the party (treated similar to the hip-hop guy mentioned above, i mena obviously what would the japanese know about surfing right?), the prostitute, film director, etc. none of them are real developed characters. perhaps its true that many travellers to japan don't really get to meet japanese people on a personal level, but if thats the case, well they've missed out and they should shut their mouths rather than perpetuate stereotypes. jokes about L's and R's get old fast. Scenes like the prostitute, and the guy with the bb gun, are, um, unrealistic at best. but i'm not the only one who thinks its racist. see http://www.lost-in-racism.org/ for more examples (no this isn't my site).
3. the idea that japan has lost something of its beauty from ancient times. the only example of this would be when the girl gets out of tokyo to the snow covered temple in Nara. Well this is a nice image, and its "the japan which once was", something lost in the modern maze of consumer culture, etc. people who feel this way may or may not believe that all japanese pre WWII were zen monks, or samurai, or artisans. no. while things are different about japanese culture now no doubt, there is a different kind of beauty outside of quiet temples. perhaps one might prefer the quiet temple historical kind, but in that case, stay home, read a history book, and don't be another brainwashed japan-o-phile touring the country complaining whenever they aren't at a tourist trap ::cough cough kyoto and nara cough cough::
4. this movie is boring, and pretentious. if you think the photography is beautiful, well perhaps it is, but thats how japan actually looks, so be impressed with the locations, not the film.. also if you think silence is meaningful try meditation. bah, this movie is just boring.
bottom line, if you saw this film and you liked it, don't talk to me about about it and don't ever go to japan
50 Empty Tin Can poses as Compelling Cinema... fails.
This film didn't fool me. Lil' Sofia doesn't fool me. Having failed at practically every occupation her father could manipulate/buy/sneak her into (I'm sure I'm forgetting a few but they include fashion design, photography, writing, acting- her only memorable role being the one where she's Al Pacino's idiot daughter in the final, hilarious Police Academy installment of the Godfather Series... A hilariously awful performance in a hilariously awful movie!), she has decided to become a director- one of many artistic careers wherein everything is taken care of for you by others with the training and talent that you don't possess.
...But at least I'm not bitter, eh? Here's the deal- I heard a nice review of the film in question on NPR. Sounded interesting. I walked in wanting to like it, even though I could not abide 'The Virgin Suicides,' Sofia's debut as a 'director' and another film about 'lost' (translation: spoiled) Americans and their penchant for treacly, overwrought ennui. (Sorry, but I have no sympathy for a bunch of blonde ditzes living it up in late-70's American cultural wasteland... Maybe if they'd been lucky they could have come of age in Cambodia or Indonesia in the same era... that would have cured their oh-so-exquisite malaise right quick... Oh the tragedy of innocence lost... No, the tragedy is what happened in all the countries that Kissinger and Co. were over-throwing... but I digress...)
Upon this film's release Sofia was honored all over various trendier-than-thou mags for her writing... Uh, Script? What Script? Scarlett's dialogue, well- her whole role seemed to consist almost entirely of staring out windows and gazing at various phenomena with an expression of morose bewilderment and/or understated wonder. Ain't so much she could've done with that sliver of bone, but I like her and think she's done well in the past with small roles that have little wordplay ('Ghost World' and 'The Man Who wasn't there,' for example). Maybe, we're supposed to think that Scarlett is, like, playing a character based on, you know, Sofia Coppola... Maybe in Sofia's World she's introspective and intense... and yet she can only compose a parody of such a woman when she tries to write from that perspective... Hmmm...
There's no real explanation of the relationship between Scarlett and her husband, aside from they met in college and he's become a fame-obsessed idiot. He's a photographer. And they're, like, estranged. you know, like the Guns N' Roses song.
Oh, and Ms. Johansson's character is supposedly a philosophy major... *Ahem* Speaking from experience (as I was one, graduated a few years back) philosophy types TALK. We talk more than most people can stand. (and We don't purchase pseudo-intellectual, self-help CDs- we laugh at them. I almost chucked my popcorn at the screen at that point). Words words words, they're all we have to go on, to quote Guildenstern... We talk incessantly, and often without reason... Take this review as a case in point.
Only someone who is completely ignorant of post-collegiate philosophy types could have so utterly failed at writing a believable character. Insouciant and self-indulgent- yes. Overly-concerned with an appearance of unassailable high-mindedness, yes. Insufferably verbose, yes. Opinionated and sarcastic- oh you betcha. Bewildered by the way that life is like, so odd and transient, you know. And foreign lands are like, so, you know, foreign... not at all really. But then maybe Sofia picked up one of those 'Philosophy through Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' or '... through the Simpsons,' books.
Giovani Rabisci plays the hubby. I thought he was a not-so-concealed dig at Coppola's real husband, Spike Jonze, who is the only one in that whole clan with talent, it seems. Well, maybe now that Sofia has proven herself to all the easily-swindled, art-house fools who delineate taste and culture in this country- she can dump him.
The chick from Scary Movie is hilarious and all-too-believable as an idiotic actress with whom poor Sofia's- I mean Scarlett's husband has become smitten. Between her character and Bill Murray's hang-dog over-the-top actor, this movie is almost ok.
I'd go so far to say the movie's sole strength lies in Bill Murray, who has an uncanny ability to make poor films good and good films even better (i.e. Rushmore). As always, he gives an understated performance that you don't expect to be so damn compelling. But it is. Murray manages to breathe life and pathos into a movie that shambles across the screen like Bud the Zombie from Romero's Day of the Dead. In fact, that would make a nice and like, wow, poignant subtitle to this tripe.
And the ending was absolutely crass. Though I won't spoil it for you, should you be dying to rent this with a date.
2 stars for the thorough satire of the Japanese and for Bill Murray's deft and wry performance. Oh, did I mention that indie-icon Kevin Shields did the soundtrack? Hipsters start your engines!
51 Title of the Movie right on the Money!
Watching this movie you can't help but feel lost in the translation. The best part of the movie is Bill Murray's acting, the cultural faux paus, and the fabulous location. The worst part is that this movie has no point, a sorry excuse for an ending, and a big huh!What's the big deal! feeling. The critcs seem to love this movie but I don't think the viewers feel the same way. I can't imagine buying this movie and watching it again. But then again, I value my money and time!
52 Nah....
Bill Murray was his usual funny self in this movie. However, moments of humor don't add up to a good movie. Just what the heck was the point, or dare I ever venture to say PLOT of this film? I've watched this film thrice and I haven't deciphered the plot.......ok ok fine..it goes something like this: disillusioned middle-aged married celebrity meets disillusioned newly-wed in totally alien country and culture and adventures are had therein.....but so? So what? The characters just sort of flounder in a wierd sort of ambiguity for nearly the entire film. The only hint of a REAL character development is towards the end when Murray's character says something along the lines of "hang in there" and "you still have time" referring to Johanssen's character's life and marriage. Well, gee.....that's a real no-brainer, and it took the entire length of the film to get to it.
Another fine example of a film in which flash (the imagery, soundtrack, what-have you) is placed ahead of substance and the "flash" elements are made to appear substantial.
53 Unbelievable Performace, Story
Lost in Translation is the type of story that you have to sit back and appreciate for the work or art it is. This movie is so masterful in all of its respects, it almost defies explanation. Sofia Coppola is able to tell this story with an adept and skillful manner, so much so that you almost miss how wonderful it is from the get-go. Sometimes it takes two viewings, to catch all of the nuances, the subtleties, the little pieces that make this movie great.
It is the story of Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson)and their finding one another in the midst of the largest city in the world, Tokyo. I won't go into plot details, as that is what the movie is about. Instead, some thematics.
The story revolves around lonliness. The fact that this is the most populous city in the world, and these two Americans are without spouses, without friends goes to show that the lonliness is not mere physical distance, but emotional, cultural, almost spiritual. And in the midst of their crises, these two find each other and bond together to help one another through their lonely times. It is a tale also of finding yourself, getting yourself out of a rut, with their careers and marriages and life in general. But, it is never too late, you can never be too alone, for breaking the cycle and trying something new. Together they break-out, investigating Tokyo together and finding renewed viggor for their own lives.
They are also together in a way that two people do not usually share. Bob is old enough to be Charlotte's father, yet there is a bond there that is almost like love, but never really defined. Something beyond friendship (as is evident when Bob sleeps with the lounge singer), but they never consumate their marriage physically, which is a relief. Yet you can feel the connection between them, even when they are standing outside of a hotel at 3am during a fire alarm. There is a bond there, something unique, wonderful as it is indescribable. This relationship propels both of them forward into their lives, leaves them both smiling at the end of the movie.
This is what has to be Bill Murray's best performance ever, Oscar-worthy if there ever was an acting role that deserved a golden statue. What makes his role so beautifully poignant is that it is very subtle. He doesn't cry a lot, he doesn't yell or scream, a lot of the time he doesn't even say much at all. Yet it is in the way his body, his smile, his eyes, it is how these facets of his personality manifest the inner emotions that make the role great. When he is shaving, and he holds up the tiny, plastic razor looking in the mirror, his face sums up his entire situation, without the need for words.
Similarly, Scarlett Johansson is remarkable, also for her subtle way of portraying the quarter-life crisis Charlotte. From her body language, the way she moves, or even just sits and looks out over Tokyo, evokes her mood and gives us a glimpse of her inner emotions, more-so than her husband can appreciate.
This movie is very understated, and I feel underrated. It gives just dazzling performances from two very talented actors, and it tells a tale that is wonderful as it is instructive and uplifting all the same time. I whole-heartedly recommend this film to everyone, especailly if you are feeling a bit lonely.
54 Great movie, great location
When I first saw this movie, honestly, I wasn't impressed. My friends drug me out to see it, so I just "went along for the ride". Not only did my mind wander, but I only got a cursory view of what the movie is about. I decided to give it another chance, and it was indeed a film that pulls you in. Having been to Tokyo myself, it was a small dose of familiarity. This is a film that must be viewed a few times to really be appreciated.
Bill Murray plays the role of Bob Harris, an actor who seems to be going through a mid-life crisis in both his career and marriage. Harris flies to Tokyo to film a commercial for Suntory Whisky, and seems not to enjoy the job too much, despite the healthy financial compensation. Scarlett Johhannsen plays the role of Charlotte, a young wife who tags along with her workaholic photographer husband. She appears to be neglected as a wife, and yearns for her husband's attention, and eventually, anyone's attention. Bored and feeling neglected, she ventures out of the confines of her hotel room, and into the pulsating, neon lit and mysterious atmosphere of Tokyo, a world unto itself. She not only enjoys the modern, contemporary side, but respects and appreciates the ancient and traditonal customs as well.
A few nights later, unable to sleep, Charlotte heads down to the bar where Harris is having a nightcap, and the two instantly connect. I think the reason for the connection was the fact that they sensed each other were lost, and at different crossroads in their own lives, and not so much the fact that they were both many miles from home. I believe the fact that the bar was filled with other Americans confirms this, at least from my own perspective. This movie should speak volumes to everyone, because we have, or will experience being "Lost in Translation" at some point in our lives. We will be Bob Harris or Charlotte, and will deal with our journeys in our own unique ways. Sometime, I feel like Bob Harris, and can definitely identify with him, but in my own way. It also demonstrates that even though many of our friendships may last for just a "season", they will be un forgettable.
The two begin to explore the city's karaoke bars, districts and parties. One would probably interpret that there is something sexual about to occur here due to the chemistry between Bill and Charlotte, but that doesn't happen. However, when Charlotte knocks on Bob's door one morning and finds he is in the company of another woman, she is indeed offended, as if it were her own lover or husband. The ending is very special, as Bob, who could not wait to leave Japan at the beginning of the movie, suddenly finds himself dreading the trip back to the states and leaving Charlotte behind. I also think the location adds to the mystique of this great film. This will stay in my collection forever! All I can say now is "WoW"!
55 Outstanding film
This film could just as easily be called: Lost in transition. It is a film about transitions and people trying to find their way in this world. You have young people making the transition to being an adult. You have middle aged people going though their mid life transition. All of this set in Japan, a country making a transition into the modern world, yet holding on to some of their traditions. Even a clip about an older man making a transiton to being old.
Scarlett Johansson continues to do outstanding work, and like Bill, you connect with them as someone you like.
This movie is an attempt to establish communication between rich and poor, privileged and common, young and old, east and west. It deals with how much gets lost in the translation. I found the bonus material on thie DVD to be better than the film itself. The bonus clips give you more of a feel for the city of Tokyo and the people of Japan.
Bill Murrray does comedy and this film is an attempt for him to do a bit of drama and a bit of romance. The question was: How much to hold him back from being funny. I think they held him back to much and tried to make the movie a bit to serious and thus they ended up with a three instead of a four star rating. But they were right I believe to maintain some artistic integerty and not try to go for all out comedy so as to over due it.
Everyone did a really good job, but as the title suggests somethings get lost in translation and that is what this movie is all about. Dealing with what gets lost in translations, along with a secondary theme of dealing with lifes transitions.
Another problem is they ignore Lazarus, you never see the homeless person, and your not introduced to his perspective. To much gets lots in translation, so that you never really get to know the people of Tokyo. But you get a lot more of a introduction in the Bonus material than you do the movie itself.
Otherwise they get the job done and deliver on what they say they were going to deliver on. Of course these are all top rated professionals, so you would expect that they are going to persevere and accomplish what they set out to do. Even as they all deal with lifes transitions and struggle with what gets lost in translation along the way.
This is a film that can be studied as a work that shows what can be done with a small budget and a small crew. They could have worked a bit more on the script, but they depended on Bill to improvise, which seemed to be fine with him.
56 Weak
This looks like something a bunch of uni students put together. Except these guys had enough money to rope in someone like Bill Murray. I usually love 'arty' films, but to me this just lacked depth. This is about two people who find some comfort in each other while feeling somewhat lost in their own lives. There is a little flirting, an occasional and sometimes awkward kiss on the cheek, a couple of kareoke parties where not much happens, dialog between the main characters is kept to a minimum and often the characters simply blend into the background, which sometimes I think is more interesting than their own story. I think this is the kind of movie, where the characters should have been explored a lot more, so that the audience can really connect with them. There's a scene in this film where Bill is appearing in a Whiskey advertisement and you can see that he just wants to get the heck out of there, probably thinking: is this what my life has come to? Half way through this film, I started to wander if that's how he felt about this film. I realise some people loved this, but it didn't do it for me. There was not enough depth for me to be emotionally drawn to this story and I think the potential was there.
57 Lost in *insert word here*
This is a great movie.
I hope you enjoy it as much as i did.
Thats about it.
58 A Wonderful Dream of a Film
I absolutely loved this film. It's so raw, yet it feels like a velvet dream. I've watched my copy twice so far, and each time I couldn't stop thinking about it for days afterwards. When I showed it to my dormmates, you can probably guess what happened...ZZZZZZZZZ. I guess some people just want that prepackaged, high-strung drama, or the gut-busting comedy. "Bill Murray is in it? Cool!" Ten minutes later... "What the hell is this?"
On that note, Bill Murray's deadpan portrayal of a burned-out actor looking for a few quick bucks is dead on. The commercial and photo shoot scenes are hilarious, and it's very entertaining to watch "Bob Harris" cope with jet lag.
This is a bedtime/relaxation movie, no doubt. It's so soft and surreal that it fades from your memory, no matter how hard you try to hang on to it, like some wonderful dream...
59 Not a film for the ADD crowd
Sadly many people put down this film becuase it lacks all the basic elements of a cookie-cutter popcorn flick. The idea of simply taking a moment in two peoples lives and exploring it is more than many people can apparently comprehend. To all of you, I say, enjoy the next Vin Deisel flick, or if you hurry, the Blade film may still be running, somewhere...
Bill Murray portrays an aging actor who, needing the easy money, goes to Japan for a week to endorse a brand of whiskey. Johanson is the nearly forgotten young wife of a pasty-faced, stuttering celeb photographer who is left constantly alone while he works.
The two lonely's, are each at different points in life, he just going over the hill, her still down in the valley taking her first steps. He lives through her youth and optomism, she through his age and experience. Together they teeter on the edge of sexual tension as well as burgeoning friendship.
The movie has no big pay off. Many feel both are unhappy in there lives and maybe should leave them for each other, others feel that the age thing is just creepy, and yet others just don't get it.
This is a study in basic human emotion and reaction to situation. It's a film about the short time two people knew each other.
60 And it actually won for Best Screenplay in the Academy!
"In America" should have won.That movie is far superior than this one.But enough about that.This is how "Lost in Translation" goes.Two Americans saw each other in an elevator and smiled at each other.Then they met again,this time they talked.Then they decided to meet each other again.During those meetings,Scarlett's character seem to always flirt with Bill's character (maybe if he's not a "celebrity" she would'nt even do that).Until one day,its time for Bill to go,Scarlett is sad,before separating he whispered to her,the end.That's it!You think this movie is smart?That's funny,I didnt know a lot of you have the intelligence of a 13 year old.I'm a fan of "lost souls looking for purpose" movies since im going through that and I was expecting to get and learn something from it and I did'nt.I thought the highlight of the film is when theyre lying on the bed and finally they get to tell each other their issues but of course they didnt really do that (I guess they just quit since they can't really tell each other what's bugging them anyway) and its quite unsatisfying. Yeah there are some happenings in the movie but they dont really help.No character development,it just goes on and on.This is a real dissapointment.I expected a lot from this because im a Bill Murray fan (and im aware that this is not your typical Bill Murray flick) and I wished that he won the Oscar because he may never be nominated again,but that was before watching this movie,now,Im glad Sean Penn won.This movie is not "deep",smart nor very artistic and those people who thinks that, probably didnt see a lot of really good,deep,intelligent and artsy films.This movie isnt one of the worst films ever though it didnt live up to its promise.
I dont think its a matter of getting the movie,sure I got it.But as I said,this movie is not deep or smart or incomprehensible,its just that,I never felt anything for these characters nor the movie itself.I really couldnt care less about these people.Sorry!
61 Disappointing, Xenophobic, Unimaginative
From all the film reviews I'd expected something more intelligent than the retreaded humor about how Japanese roll their r's, their short stature (actually they're getting quite tall these days, must be eating more McBurgers), and cultural differences played for laughs. Murray's character is a snotty bore, angry and frustrated for being there, and dimissive of a culture that he never really tries to understand. The ugly American in a foreign land who is angry because the natives don't speak English correctly; the nerve!
I'd have more sympathy for Murray's character if he'd actually tried to reach out to anyone, got off his sorry duff and tried to reach out the Japanese for a change, use a few lines of broken Japanese perhaps, but he never does and that's the shame of this film. Coppola seems talented and the cinematography was beautiful, but this film still read like a spoiled, jaded rich girl's vision of Japan. It was all about the beautiful surface.
62 Dislikable characters CAN make for a dislikable movie
For me, I don't know...the cinematography was very beautiful and I liked the way it was able to convey a "feeling" that is difficult to convey in words....but then again, many other movies are able to do this just as well.
I guess one of the main reasons as to why I am giving this movie such a low score is because of the characters themselves. Bill Murray plays someone who is just plain dislikable. In fact, I detest his character. Because he is so jaded, he feels that he is ABSOLUTELY STUCK in his situation. Why not at least attempt to enjoy himself and maybe learn a little bit of Japanese? The girl is a little better but she was such a plain character. I couldn't get a feel of her personality at all.
And because of my dislike for the characters, the slow pace of the film was starting to become unbearable. And it's not that I can't take the slow-pace...a somewhat similar but much more enjoyable movie to watch was "What time is it there?" directed by Tsai Ming-liang (though I'm sure this movie is not for everyone as well).
All the things that was supposed to be funny was based on hijinks and things that are oh-so-quirky about those Japanese. Rip, lip...o-ho-ha-ha. Get rid of the Tokyo backdrop and I don't think this movie would have been as good.
Nothing visionary about this film at all.
63 This is why you should believe the hype.
I know. You're resistant to the trendy film by the Marc Jacobs wearing daughter of a legend. Everybody probably just says they love it because everybody else says they should. I know. I have my suspicions about movies like that. I've watched people tremble and say, "LIT changed my life it is soooooo goood."
Here is a level-headed opinion on why this is a good movie: This movie is about loneliness and isolation in a close-packed city of millions. You feel the character's loneliness. You feel their brief sparks of connection. You feel them clutch at opportunities for connection.
And it takes skill to pull this off - this movie could have quickly gone into non-narrative snoozeville. But although she follows the climax resolution format, the framework doesn't come poking through the story like it does in so many Hollywood films. It flows like a well documented life and that's high praise.
Also, to see Bill Murray be such a great, mature character is a thing of beauty. Like when John Travolta came back courtesy of Pulp Fiction.
Movies today aren't so good. So many are made to show off a special effects technique or to make a big car chase or be a vehicle for a star. This movie has a story and everything is there to bring that story to life. To bring you to the point. And that's how it should be.
64 Sofia made the right choices!
What a beautiful, thoughtful and sweet movie this is. Sofia Coppola is a brilliant storyteller and has crafted a film with more warmth, heart and intelligence than most films out today.
Casting Bill Murray in this role might be the best casting choice of 2003. He is so wonderful as this character because, honestly, in many ways he is this character. As Murray has aged we have seen less and less of him, and there was a point where it would have been very easy for him to cross the threshold into has-been or, worse, self-parody. He did hold on, albeit not with the same superstar power he once held, and has managed to grow and mature into one of the best, most underrated actors of our day. Who would have thought that would be possible? As for Scarlett Johansson, again with the great casting choice. She has the freshness, vulnerability and energy to carry this off, yet such depth and maturity as well. She is wise beyond her years and yet still so young, and a gifted actress. There is chemistry beyond chemistry between these two and that's a big reason the film works, because with less talented or poorly matched actors we might be a bit turned-off by the age difference between them, yet I found myself wanting things to work out for them even when I knew it couldn't be. And the fact that Coppola was honest and true to the characters she created instead of taking the easy way out speaks volumes of her integrity as an artist. We have been conditioned to look for the happy ending, and our version of "happy ending" is "happy ending in bed". But these are real people on the screen, with real lives and real consequences which they cannot forget about. And their decision to remain true to the others in their lives, their understanding of the imposibility of their being together, is much more moving than any climactic (no pun intended) romp in bed could ever be. The final scene alone speaks volumes, though nothing is really said between them. But we know they understand each other, and we can see that it's enough for them. So it becomes enough for us, if we're willing to cast aside our pre-conditioned notions of "romance" and remember that not everything we want is truly meant to be.
Everything about this film is just so perfect. Tokyo is bright, beautiful and exciting. The dialogue is tremendous, most especially in the quiet, intimate conversations which are seemingly meaningless but are actually the meat of what makes the characters. It takes greater talent to pull off a scene like that than a highly-charged emotional one. And the message is so heartbreaking and beautiful....like Don Quixote said, "to love pure and chaste from afar"....In this case, it's much more affective.
65 Do we need to see Bill Murray acting wan once again?
Bill Murray was wan in Groundhog Day, which I thought was a terrific movie; he was wan in Rushmore, which was also a good movie, but to see his wanness in a flimsy, excrutiatingly slow movie: enough already! The dialogue in this movie was mediocre; in fact, there was barely any dialogue at all. If people think watching Bill Murray do a few dozen takes for a whiskey commercial for Japanese TV is some profound or even humorous commentary on media, commercials, the "hidden life" of the mid-level Hollywood movie star, the American audience is even less sophisticated than I think. If watching a Japanese director trying to communicate in incomprehensible English what he wants his American actor to do during a commercial, one might as well bring back every antedeluvian vaudeville joke and plant them in contemporary films for back-up. Equally woeful is Murray's forgettable counterpart, who with equal ennui, awaits her husband's photo assignment to be over as she wiles away the time in her Tokyo hotel room. They both meet; they act wan and ironic together, and you get the point of the movie in the first 20 minutes. I believe Frances Coppola's daughter directed this; she also directed "The Virgin Suicides," an equally banal movie, whose most interesting feature was watching how far up James Woods could hitch up his belt to make himself look like a goofy middle-aged bank clerk. Apparently, Ms. Coppola is married to Spike Jonz, the director of the abysmal "Being John Malkevitch," and the nearly as abysmal "Adaptation." Jeez! What is happening to our gene pool?????
66 Get Over It
Do you think those reviewers who HATE HATE HATE this movie were expecting another Meatballs or Caddyshack? I imagine that the movie company deserves some blame as they did sell this movie as a comedy. I think it is an absolutely brilliant movie. I have found that my friends who have travelled to the Far East and have encountered the culture shock displayed in the movie all like this movie. I think it's easier to relate to the jetlag, culture shocked world in which the characters find themselves. I certainly can understand how being dropped into an alien world would cause one to assess all their assumptions and find themselves lost as the characters do.
I think the ennui and the unresolved nature of the movie disturbs a lot of people. Most movie goers seem to like a neat little story in which the protagonist changes and becomes a better person or the bad guy gets what's coming to them. This movie is realistic to me because a) the old man DOESN'T sleep with the young girl. b) there is no SOLUTION for their problems (they are just able to console each other) c) their relationship is realistic because in their own society they would have nothing in common but here in Japan they are kindred souls. Their relationship is of a transitory nature based on the situation and the place they are in their lives.
67 Lost Period!
I love Bill murray! But this was the absolute worst movie that I have ever seen. I was SO disappointed! It was like watching a neighbours holiday video, that you HAVE to watch to keep The peace! There was no plot.....there was nothing...it was such crap, I would recommend you take this dvd and burn it! :-( ~IT was that bad..it takes a hec of a lot for me to say that , because I am ever so tolerant, but this is so sad! Bill, why did you agree to act in this? You are such a funny actor....not even you can pull a Funny foreign holiday video out of this trash! :-(
I have been a fan since Saturday night live....but this is horrendous....don't bother renting it.....THIS SUCKS! Full stop
A Disappointed Fan! A very, VERY, disappointed Fan!
68 Lost in Tranlation- I am really lost
I was looking no star rating for this movie. It is not fair that some of the reviews said that if you don't like the film, go rent XXX or some action-packed film. I like many kinds of movies, not only the XXX kinds, in fact I watch many art house movies (many of them are crap! artistic for the sake of it, or lack of budget). We can enjoy movies in many different ways and watch movies and apreciate them from many different angles. I really cannot find anything in Lost In Translation that is worth shouting about. The story does not move me in anyway, just two lone people hanging out in Tokyo; they don't inspire each other after the meeting; their life is not changed in any way, for better or worse; there is no beautiful cinematography or any interesting camera works, the list goes on, the charactors just met, hang out and say goodbye when the 2-hours is up. The movie is flat in every angle of a movie. I tried to find something in the movie that every critic is raving about, and I found nothing, I was still hoping something will happen while the credit was rolling, and still nothing. I was not less surprise than Copolla herself when the movie won an Oscar. Still puzzled about the hype.
69 I hate this movie
For the life of me, I cannot understand why this movie received so much fanfare from critics. I thought the movie was absolutely pointless and exceedingly boring! VERY, VERY, slow and not funny at all. It is actually one of the worst movies I have ever seen (sans Computer Beach Party). HATE, HATE, HATE this movie!!!!
70 a fine example as why Bill is the most succesfull SNL cast m
Bill Murray may not have pulled in as much money as eddie murphy, but as far as acting goes, Bill Murray is the most successful cast member from SNL. You see so many dimensions of Murray in this film. Not excluding his famous humor. "getting lost was never so much fun". The entire film was fresh for me, who has never seen much of the world outside of America. The movie throws you in a bustling city in Japan. Exporing the night life and pop culture. Behind the exotic scenes and exploring of the Japanese culture (The only successful Western emulation, without the cost of losing its long heritage and culture) is the lolita-like relationship between Scarlett and Bill Murray. Although not the focus of this film, the two are together powerful, demanding your attention with their performances. I loved this film by first time director and script writer Sophia coppola (relative to the famous Francis ford Coppola). It has powerful imagery and the character portrayal I have not seen much from today's culturally lagging cinema.
71 3.5 Stars, pretty good
I give the movie 3.5 stars out of 5. Overall it was pretty good. I'm not sure it deserved all the Oscar hype though. There is no glitz, glamour, or glory in this film, its just about two people (oddly at very different points in their lives) who connect while in a foreign country. Bill Murray is pretty funny. I guess you'd have to like him to like this film, which I did. The movie made Japan seem very interesting and mysterious, it made me want to go there.
72 Lost in Pretentiousness
If you're the type that wants to show how cool you are, you'll probably love this movie, but if you're looking for something authentic, you won't find it here. A vanity project of the worst kind, one that's pointless. I really wanted to enjoy this.. but I couldn't, due to the lack of actual quality that is there. It's poorly written and directed, and manages to take an interesting premise and flush it right down the toilet.
73 Has so many messages, but it is brilliant.
Not bad work from a woman who is just 33 years of age(very young). From the movies that i have seen nothing compares to this at all, it is really unique. I don't think that anyone out there can duplicate this type of magic when it comes to film making. Next, The music of Kevin Shields is quite amazing and adds a certain distant feel to it that one actually has to see the movie onesself in order to feel it.
Sofia Coppola and Lance Accord did an amazing job when filming this, when interviewed they said they used this type of film which made the picture distant. Ten years from now i feel this movie will be released once again in theatres. What is the story about? It is about relationships(love), the story revolves around 2 characters: Charlotte and Bob. In my opinion, this could be Scarlett Johansson's best work. Their is no doubt in my mind that she will always be remembered as "Charlotte." I've seen movies from the 70's and the 80's and a couple of classics but they just don't touch me as this does [Lost in Translation]. This movie has soul,white heat,heart, and feel, so this is very rare in a movie. This can be seen from so many angles and one still gets an answer to the questions or doubts one may have in the end. *message* Be sure to read/view information on Bill Murray, this famous actor was on the borderline of not doing this film. I really like the way the movie starts out...it shows Scarlett in a nice lieing position; it is not perverted but just beautiful. Scarlett is a nice looking female.
I wonder how many gentlemen out there or who are reading this review here on amazon.com wished they'd find a Charlotte in their lives next time they take that business trip to Japan, Mexico, Europe, or Canada.
Special Note: Scarlett Johansson has an unofficial website in case anyone is interested in seeing her beauty.
Lost in Translation Film is recommended.
74 I Know It Is In Here... Somewhere..........
I wanted to see this movie for a long time. I had remembered Sofia Coppola's performance in "Godfather 3" many years ago and enjoyed her earlier movie "The Virgin Suicides." I knew from what I had seen that this movie was not your run-of-the-mill movie.
This movie about a beyond-his-prime American Movie Star visiting Tokyo because he got a hefty paycheck to promote Japanese Scotch...... could be seen as depressing. It could be seen as having "no story"... it could be seen as boring.
It is none of those.
The pace of the movie allows you to find your own tempo alongside the movie's tempo.
The humor is wry and understated.
The relationships are real and the ending is another "non-Hollywood" ending.
The acting tends towards subtle, nuanced and intelligent. (I also found myself wondering what it would have been like if Scarlett Johansson had received the role in "Parent Trap" that went to Lindsey Lohan. Would she be a Disney Diva now? Shudder to think....)
I loved the scenes of Bill Murray dealing with the Directors of the Scotch commercials. Very funny.
There were also great "I don't fit here" sequences, wordless yet among the most strongly stated of the movie.
One sort of fun-review-aside, I smiled when I watched a Bonus Feature of Bill Murray and Sofia Coppola hanging out in Rome, it looks like they are standing on a patio or something. The contrast between old-world Rome and neon flavored Tokyo was astonishing - and since I watched this bonus AFTER the movie, I was also reminded of how much Scarlett Johansson's performance seemed to echo Sofia Coppola, the writer-director herself.
Both have soft voices, appear very present yet just a wee bit unattached... spend a lot of time just thinking (from all appearances) and doesn't show much emotion yet we somehow sense there is a lot of feeling going on in there... somewhere.
In fact - that last paragraph is a passable description of the movie itself.
75 Have you ever moved to Tokyo and felt lonely?.....
....I have. We lived there from 2000-2003, and the first few months were very lonely for me due to the extreme differences in the culture. To make a very long story short, our time near Tokyo has changed us forever, and we love Japan as a second home. The friends we have there are very dear to us. There is a brilliance in this movie that we don't see very often. The scene where the whiskey commercial is filmed made us laugh. The Japanese man talks for several minutes, and the translator comes back with just a few words; it's like that! The English translation is usually shorter. We saw things in that movie that made us miss Japan every time we see the movie. For those who watch the movie and have any sense of cultural appreciation and sentimentality, pay attention to the scences when "Charlotte" talks to her friend stateside (who sounds shallow) about her first trip to the shrine, or how she willingly accepts her first ikebana lesson. To see the Americans slow down and consider another country's traditions and cultural expressions as options to their own is a mature attitude, and I guess it takes a mature attitude to watch this movie and "get it". See it for yourselves, and I hope you get to experience Japan some day....
p.s. My ONLY negative comment is about a club scene that made the movie have an R rating. Other than that almost-nude scene that was out of place in this movie, it could've been a PG-13. It's probably pretty realistic about some of the clubs in Tokyo, but it could've been left out of a movie. My 2 cents.
76 What a let down!
This dvd was given to me as a gift that I did ask for. I was looking forward to experiencing this movie after hearing all of the hype surrounding it. After my experience, the only advice I can offer is save your 2 hours, save your $20. This movie is pointless and a waste of any resources you devote to it.
77 I'm sorry you didn't like it--try something more LCD
The lowest common denominator of the collective American mind is pretty darn low, and unfortunately, movies are often made to appease this group--those who want movies to massage and reassure their simple-minded, unrealistic value systems. Lost in Translation was not made to be a box office smash. It is a truly sensitive look at relationships, lonliness and culture. The cinematography is beautiful, the acting superb, and its themes are timeless without being trite. It also has some of the funniest moments that I've seen in a film in a long while. Unfortunately, some people missed all of this, and these people may describe the film as any of the following: boring, weird, stupid, immoral, pointless. They may be better off watching Dickie Roberts--Child Star, Airbud, or Freddy vs. Jason.
78 Great movie, ignore the bad reviews
The reason why many people panned this movie in their Amazon review is the same reason why a movie like "National Treasure" does so well at the box office: namely that most people are pretty dumb, and unless a movie has explosions, car chases and naked chicks writhing around to bad rap music, they just can't understand or get into it. Or if they're female they don't get the movie unless it has a bunch of overblown, hard-to-believe sappy romance. Don't get me wrong, every once in awhile I like to watch a brainless action movie too, or (even more seldom) a sappy romance, but most of the time I like my movies smart, and Lost in Translation is a smart movie. So it's really not surprising many people didn't like it.
Most of the people who wrote positive reviews did get it: this movie isn't about people going somewhere, or accomplishing something. It's a snapshot of a few days in the lives of two very different people who are lonely, not only because they are in a very alien culture but because they are at crisis points in their lives, and they searching for human connection. I won't waste my time talking about people's allegations that the younger girl-older man thing was "creepy" or that it was immoral for Bill Murray's character and Scarlett Johannsen's character to spend time together because both characters are married. All I have to say about that is: it's the 21st century, y'all, and it's time to grow up. I thought this was a very intelligent, sensitive portrait of two people who the outside world would view as successful but who feel very lost and alone. Their relationship wasn't about sex or unrealistic sappy romance (the two things most movie romances are based on), but about two minds meeting and two people finding out they aren't as different from other people as they had thought. I don't know, maybe the movie is hard to understand if you've lived a completely straight-line, unexamined, unadventurous life. But I went through a crisis similar to the one experienced by Scarlett Johannsen's character when I was about her age, so I could totally understand where her character was coming from. I have also traveled overseas (including to Japan) so I understand what it's like to feel "lost" in a foreign culture, so far from your home. Since most Americans, especially those in the Midwest, have never been farther than 300 miles from Columbus or Grand Rapids or Milwaukee or wherever, I imagine the whole idea of foreign travel is a mystery to them. But anyway. This is a great movie, it makes you think and it stays with you long after you've seen it. Definitely worth watching, but you won't get much out of it unless your I.Q. is higher than your body temperature.
79 What is the matter with people?
I can't believe how many people panned this movie. It really is a great film about the subtle things in life that we hardly notice and having real conversations that we rarely have. The people that don't like this movie should just give up trying to understand it and go watch Spiderman.
80 I choose the middle ground
Lost in Translation is not the great movie many people make it out to be, but it is not as awful as the others claim either. For me the movie lays somewhere in the middle. For her first movie, Sofia Coppola did an outstanding job, but she is nowhere near the director her father is... yet. The story itself is nice, but it falls a little short for me personally. I saw much of the depiction of Japan as right no, but I also felt the isolation the two are suppose to feel is totally overblown. I see it as a very American view of the world, if it is different why should I try to understand it. This might not have been the director's intention, but that is what I got out of the movie. Worth a look, but not Oscar quality. Bill Murray is great in his role as he always is, but not Oscar quality.
81 Too True
This is really how it feels to be American and living in Tokyo. Sort of disjointed and intrigued at the same time. Of course we can't all live as well as Bill and Scarlett, but the loneliness they experience would be familiar to an American whose tried living in Japan. Sofia nails it.
82 The title says it all...
This film is about two people and how they meet up and develop a temporary relationship in Japan. Both are at troubled spots in their lives. Bill Murray plays Harris, a man who is currently in a mid-life crisis. Johansson plays Charlotte, a twenty-five year old woman who has been left alone by her husband, for some time. Both Harris and Charlotte find temporary solace in each other.
While this film attempts to be creative, it is just like an American Beauty rip-off, and I could not stand American Beauty. The only reasons these characters came together was because they were the only ones there who were American. I'm not trying to be ethnocentric; this is how both Murray's and Johansson's characters act.
Probably the worst aspect of this film, other than the fact that it was lauded over for nothing, is that there is no real conclusion (and that's not a spoiler). Nothing gets achieved, no one learns anything, and nothing is better off for the two of them having met.
The closes thing to this film is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which is incredibly better. I would just stay away from Lost in Translation, unless you want to hear what all the gawk is about, because you are better off not seeing it.
83 Yawn Inducing
I heard so many people rave about how entertaining it is. They would go on and on and so I thought I should leave everything else and rent the DVD. After around 45 mins into the film and trying my best to find the dull humor funny I still waited for the movie to start.It never does. Now, I dont think I'm closed to experimental cinema but this was just one of the most frustration inducing films ever.Its not torturous but just in plain simple words A waste of our valuable time.I love movies and Im not really picky. I didnt find one scene in the film that made me sit up and take notice. Now , I simply try to figure out what it was that made people like this film. Maybe the actor's really famous but I must say there's absolutely no chemistry in this film.
I'd rather watch news from 2001 in French and I dont even speak
French. Lost In Translation?
P.S - This is not the worst film ever. Its just not my kind. I seldom dislike movies.
84 Incredible
please dont listen to them people what give this less than 5 star's, cos theyre not very clever and they isn't able to recugnize a great film if it bite's them in their arse. and they usually think theyre ee cummings too, that or they dont no how to punctuate. Anyway, this film manages
