Pleasantly surprised.

Rating: 9/10 (24 September 2003)

I too thought this movie was over-hyped (among the alternative media, anyway... there was hardly anything in the mainstream media) and went in half-expecting another empty, overly "artsy" waste of time.
In fact it was a solidly written, directed, and acted film. Yes, Bill Murray was/is probably today's most masterful comedic actor and this film is an excellent example of what he can do when given a great script and directing. But this movie isn't just about making the audience laugh at the differences between East and West. It's about the absurdity and confusion the two main characters are experiencing; life for Murray and Johansson's characters is not what they expected or hoped, yet the two are able to see beyond their frustration and find momentary happiness in their bonding.
The only issue I could bring up about the movie is its apparent lack of focus. At times it seems like Sophia Coppola is just making a montage of hip/artsy imagery... blurry landscapes and well-composed actresses in windows, etc. When I was watching the movie I wasn't too bothered by these slightly aimless moments, but they still broke up the pacing of an otherwise quick-moving film. Obviously these bits are almost a form of audience participation; while watching these comparatively slow-moving segments, I had a palpable sense of the lead characters' general malaise.
The realism in this film is astounding. I have been to Japan, and the movie made me feel like I was walking through Ikebukuro's red light district to the Yamanote line (on my way to Harajuku or Shibuya) all over again. Partially, this movie resonated with me simply because of the connection I felt with the situations and characters LIT presents. But the connection goes beyond the superficial. I'm sure many people go through much of their life in varying stages of confusion and uncertainty... if you're one of them, go see this movie. At best, it'll change your outlook on life, and at least you'll get the satisfaction of a good belly-laugh from the awesome comedic scenes with Bill Murray.