The most no-nonsense of this year's Best Picture contenders

Rating: Null/10 (15 March 2004)

I had already saw it once and thought it was very good but with the huge amount of critical praise I felt I had to see it again to see if I missed something the first time. I did. And I moved it up some spots on my Top 10 list.
This has to be the most no-nonsense movie of the year. Surprising since it has Bill Murray starring in it. But he does a very good job in keeping it melancholy. Not your typical Bill. Scarlett was excellent too, I think she's a future threat as an actress. Sofia Coppolla did an excellent job in directing, her dad taught her well. And the story was excellent and unique. This isn't the type of film teens would want to go to but still it was excellent.
It was more of an atmospheric type of movie rather than one with a thick story. But nevertheless very good to see and quite charming. Two things that stick out in my mind are the way Bob Harris has to deal with the feisty Japanese director. The other sticking out in my mind is the showing of modern Japanese technoculture with their dance games, karaoke parties and the vertical pinball machines. Also interesting is the talk-show host who's "Japan's Johnny Carson" but someone who'd be considered annoying by American standards.
Also the romance between Bob and Charlotte, you can just feel the chemistry between the two. Above all with no sex involved. It provides a unique light on how two married Americans find their soul mates in Tokyo.