Wow. This was one boring movie.

Rating: 2/10 (12 May 2006)

Wow. This was one boring movie. I'm not sure why, but when this movie first came out it seemed to appeal to me, but I did not get the chance to see it in the theater. Then I forgot about it and did not rent it either. Recently I got the chance to watch it on TV. Boy, am I glad I waited.
The movie is about 2 people that are in Tokyo for different reasons. Seemingly because of the culture difference, they are unable to fit in enough to find anything to do and mope about how bored they are and how they want to leave Japan. At least Bill Murrays character was somewhat interesting and he is always fun to watch as an actor.
The female lead however, generated absolutely no sympathy from me. She is supposed to be the 'neglected wife'. However, her husband is shown as a loving and devoted husband, who happens to be away on business a lot, which is why they are in Japan to begin with. I kept thinking that she was a whiny spoiled brat that should make the best of the situation (she's in Japan for crying out loud; its like a long vacation!). The whole "husband works all the time"/neglected wife scenario has been done to absolute DEATH. Bleh.
So, as the the story continues, the two of them do normal everyday things, like go to the bar, hang out and talk and go out for supper. As the movie progressed I kept asking "So, when is something going to happen?" "What's the point of this movie?" And then it ended.
After reading some of the discussions it turns out that this is a brilliant, subtle movie which is fantastic for those that "get it". Well, the subtleties were too subtle for me and chalk me up as one of those that don't "get it".