Not as dated as some.

Rating: 8/10 (2 May 2019)

2003/4 wow that was a long time ago. I've recently re-watched this and a couple of things still bug me; a couple received clearer insights and a few rolled along as a mutual love story about two people 'looking for answers'.
From the the grindingly obvious opening sequences, showing 2 people walking against the crowd, there shouldn't be any confusion. The scenes that some have suggested as being anti-Japanese, are reflections of how unaware and out of place the characters are in their worlds and the world at large and, really, probably are a reflection of the mindset of the critic.
This is a love story. In a good, old fashioned way. If you can't see it, don't worry. It's there, this might not be the right film for you.