A wonderful brief encounter

Rating: 10/10 (17 February 2004)

Whenever a Hollywood movie is touted as a "feel good" experience, I don't see it because I know, from experience, it will make me feel bad. I know it will be maudlin, obvious and excruciatingly dishonest. "Lost in Translation," uses the tag line, "Getting lost never felt so good," and for once they told the truth. This film offers a genuine anti-Hollywood take on a wonderful brief encounter between old guy & young girl, both married, meeting in an exotic place and rediscovering joy, wonder and love in themselves and in life. Watching Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson play off each other was a delight I haven't felt in years. Despite its modern sensibilities, the film felt like it was made when I was young a long time ago, and believed in love and the possibility of happiness. Sofia Coppola, who wrote and directed, has created a magical work of art.