Accurately depicts 'empty bag' of wealth and big city life

Rating: Null/10 (12 November 2004)

The most interesting thing about this movie is how it comes off like two humans in some zombie world. The newlywed's husband and his 'friends' are typical shallow 'California zombies' (the type which I know all about, as I live here and that is really what people are like here - at best). The next - Japan - and how empty and 'concrete' ans 'sterile' city life REALLY is - day-to-day, rather than the 'exciting' portrayal typically given in movies about big city life.

People often make fun of movies like this as here we see 'rich' portrayed as 'unhappy'. The fact is money doesn't make you happy. PEOPLE make you happy - the RIGHT people. Money, objects, and all the rest are an empty bag, and for being honest about that this movie deserves praise :) It is, so far as I can remember, the ONLY American movie that comes to my mind that doesn't resort to 'soap opera antics' and 'false dramatics' to make that point. For that, the point is made more clear than in other films, as this portrayal is REALISTIC and sophisticated.

I think what you are seeing in this film is more about Sofia Copola's relationship with HER FATHER! I bet many of the things that 'Bill Murray' does in this film, are actually things Francis Copola has done on his trips - dragging his daughter in tow. Interesting flick.

Oh and the soundtrack absolutely kicks ass - many cool and unique tunes!