My Favorite Film

Rating: 10/10 (20 April 2005)

Never have I spent a more thoughtful and surrealistic hour and forty minutes in my life. This movie was like star gazing. It is the most beautiful piece of art I have ever seen.
The story is that two Americans, one a fading actor from the 70's and the other a newlywed Yale philosophy student meet in Tokyo and become friends. But before that happens they feel either lonely, isolated and probably a little confused. When they realize what a friendship it is, they do more and more together, but their time is running out. It all builds up to the movies extremely satisfying conclusion.
The best scenes are kind of like a series of beautiful character studies to themselves. They are; The beginning where Bob wakes up in the car, Charlotte walking through Shibuya, Charlotte gazing out the window, Charlotte on the subway,The night club scene, Charlottes trip to Kyoto, Charlies house, and the amazing ending.
First of all, the acting is fantastic. Murray and Johanssen perfectly portray Bob and Charlotte, both performances ringing Oscar. Bob is a funny and heartfelt character, Charlotte is a captivating emotional and beautiful gem of a character. A++ for acting.
Another aspect of the movie, in which it would be nothing without is the music. The music stands out here and basically plays a part in the film. The opening music, the subway music, the Shibuya music, the nightclub music, the strip club music, the Kyoto music. Many of it is done wonderfully by Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine, and the ending music beautifully chosen, The Jesus and Mary Chain.
The amazing, breathtaking scenery out of windows, on trains and in the city plays a crucial part as well. The movie is not to be missed.
10/10