Sofia , Scarlett & Bill

Rating: 8/10 (14 October 2003)

Sofia Coppola's drama exhumes simplicity and realism. Good dialogue prevails although the story lacks a little excitement at times.
A humorous tone here and there. Normal lives and their pitfalls captures with sly directing. Some nice interior camerawork of the actors in their hotel rooms and lively exterior shots of the beautiful Tokyo cityscape. Reflections, doubt, aspirations.
Very subtle and effective. Nothing forced. A heartfelt denouement.
Brilliant performances by magnetic Scarlett Johansson and quirky Bill Murray. May well get some nominations in that department. Scarlett is no longer that inexperienced teenager in "The Horse Whisperer", or even the more intelligent and life-affirming version in "Ghost World"; her acting is sweet, subdued, but undoubtedly skilled and powerful.
To experience with patience and a readiness to experience refreshing down-to-earth moments.
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