A beautiful and subtle film about alienation.

Rating: 9/10 (22 August 2005)

I, along with those who didn't like the film, found the movie boring. I also found it beautiful. That's because the theme of this movie is boredom. And that's clearly evident within the first fifteen minutes when the camera, the background music and the script depict the two lead characters' boredom with such a detailed illustration, such a deep passion. The beautiful solitary shots (like the one with Bob playing golf in his room) that presents the characters' sense of alienation in a foreign society are the assets of the film. The little things they did together, or the little talks they had are ultimately nothing in the busy everyday life one normally leads; but in their times of loneliness they were like heaven. And if you, the viewer, connect yourself to their boredom, you'll feel that too.
This movie is also an example of how an excellent script can take the best out of the actors. See for Bill Murray, he's definitely not one of the best actors in this planet however good he is. But here he delivers a performance that would make any one those best actors quite proud. His subtle withdrawed nature with a sense of fine humor is excellent. Two particular moments: One is when he does the Roger Moore thing and the other is when he speaks to Charlotte about having kids. So contrasting moments, yet so fit together. For Scarlett Johansson, I've seen five of her films and after seeing this one I must admit this performance is of another level. Her character is intelligent and fun-loving, and she discovers something new in this world but she doesn't know how to deal with it. Johansson is flawless in that mood. Their chemistry is the film's another asset. They both come to realize that their relationship has no future, yet they want to utilize their unique bond every minute they stay together. The screenplay gives their deserved treatment (for example, when Bob confesses he doesn't want to go, Charlotte replies, "So don't. Stay here with me and we'll form a jazz band.").
Another interesting aspect of the film is how it describes Japan and the people. The flood of color and sound that represents the technologically advanced city of Tokyo and its fun-loving people are sometimes fruitfully contrasted with the solemn and peaceful atmosphere of the monastery that Charlotte visited. But Bob and Charlotte couldn't blend into any of them and it's nobody's fault. And sometimes their misadventures are quite hilarious, like the scene with Bob, the first ad director and the interpreter Ms. Kawasaki. All the Japanese actors in the film do not have much prior acting experience I believe, but they fit in excellently.
Now I must finish my comment mentioning Sofia Coppola's name, because she is the true person behind this movie. As you see all the praises I've done regarding this film, all are her own brilliant work.