Good - But Unbelievable Romance. (possible spoilers)

Rating: 6/10 (4 January 2004)

I really enjoyed this movie. Maybe it was a 'one trick pony' - (the one trick being to show things from Japanese culture that seem odd, strange, confronting to our Western sensabilities), but its one damn good trick, and i dont think anyone can argue with that. The acting is also very good. Scarlett Johanssen and Bill Murray both play their roles with a low-key subtletly that fits the movie perfectly.
Having said this, theres still plenty of a movie to argue against. The romance is simply unbelievable - both of them falling in love with each other despite the obvious age difference, despite the fact they are both married, and despite the only thing they share in common is a hatred of the place they are. The film also portrays that 'woe is me' idea that seems very stuck up upper-class. Rather than enjoying and experiencing the place they are in, the characters much prefer to stand two steps away in their 'american-ness'. The two main characters lack direction in their own lives and in a sense are only drawn togeather by their own self pity.
Still. Nice acting. Nice scenery. Quite Funny. 8 out of 10.