Well acted & touching film

Rating: 10/10 (10 March 2004)

A very atmospheric film set entirely in Japan & portraying the friendship between two 'lost souls' of vastly differing ages staying for a short period in Tokyo. The film is very well paced & the lead roles played by Bill Murray & Scarlett Johansson are excellently subtely portrayed. Both deserved the BAFTAS awarded in the UK for best actor/actress. The friendship teeters on the verge of romance & is very moving especially at the end of the film. The music is perfect for the setting of the film. I cannot really fault the film even though little happens - in fact this is a strength as it is the actors' performances which have to be appreciated, those who do not will almost certainly find the film boring, & it is their loss. One of my top films of recent years!