A masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (15 January 2005)

Lost in Translation tells the story of two lost souls, one an aging film star played by Bill Murray and the other a newly-married graduate played by Scarlett Johansson. Both are stuck in emotional torture because of neglect by their respective spouses and both are suffering from insomnia in a Japanese five-star hotel. These common-bonds result in the two of them forming an unlikely, but electric, connection in the hotel bar. The pair then take in Tokyo together, their friendship developing brilliantly but they are never being able to take it one step further.
This is perhaps the best 'indie' film of the 21st century so far. The acting is superb and Coppolla's smart script and even smarter direction put the characters across brilliantly. Ultimately the film's biggest asset is the subtlety of its stars' performances and the subtlety of its direction. This subtlety made it a let down for many people. The film was marketed as a kind of slapstick, lighthearted rom-com and admittedly the moments with the Japanese ad-men are utterly hilarious but the film is a character study. I remember expecting the former but being surprised, and delighted, when I found it to be the latter.
Its a triumph for all involved. Anyone who doesn't feel moved by the 'goodbye' scene clearly has no heart, the acting is outstanding. Coppola's tight direction, and good use of music, ensures that the film never drifts into schmaltz and that real emotion is what carries us through the film.
I feel sorry for all involved that Return of the King came out in the same year. If the Acadamy knew their arse from their elbow The Two Towers would have got the trilogy's Oscars, allowing this to clean up in 2003.