the pain of impossible relationships

Rating: 10/10 (9 January 2005)

"Lost in Translation" is, as I like to call it, a painful, yet it feels so good movie. This is a film in which two people flirt cautiously with each other and it somehow forms this "single-serving friend"(see "Fight Club" and my apologies to Chuck Palahniuk) relationship that can only exist in this highly foreign and ephemeral setting. They meet on only one level and relate perfectly while the rest of their lives must go on without each other. The ending shows an acceptance of this which is politely and effectively kept private. We know there is a bond that is love and understanding on some level, yet we appreciate although suffer through the lack of its continuation. I personally thought this was one of best films in a while and clearly shows that Sophia Coppola continues to impress as a writer and director. Those who enjoyed this film may also like "The Virgin Suicides" also by Copolla and "Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind".