In Short - A Beautiful Film!

Rating: 9/10 (22 August 2005)

Lost In Translation is the kind of film which after viewing it leaves audience members with a sweet taste in their mouths like they have just had something absolutely delicious to eat. This anyhow is my feelings towards the film, which I'm shocked in this case to find that not everyone agrees with. My taste in movies is quite diverse and I will sometimes adore movies when i haven't read a single good review, or absolutely detest films which have been consistently praised! In the case of Lost in Translation, quite a few of my friends have classed it as 'boring', or 'too simple'. Usually I'll take this criticism in my stride, accepting that everyone has their different opinions but in this particular film I couldn't help but argue against what my friends were saying - After all how could they call such a beautifully made film as this, boring? How can such a comment possibly be justified?...Naturally I asked them to explain.
'Yes...Yes Johnny the film does boast some great acting, I'll agree with you there and yes certainly Coppola has shown plenty of skill both behind the camera and in her writing of the script - I found the truthfulness of the language spoken between the two key characters to be wonderfully startling.' This is a relatively vague remembrance of what one of my good friends said to me upon their viewing of the film. Naturally I asked why, when they had nothing but compliments to add, did they not like it and this was the response I got, 'It's just not for me Johnny - It moves along at too slow a pace and I just wasn't satisfied enough by the premise to be willing enough to be taken along for the ride.' My friend spoke this in such an articulate manner that I was left to marvel at his clarity - he understood perfectly why he didn't like the film and it was at this moment when I realized that I just couldn't argue anymore - I had nothing more to say.
I understand that readers may by now be getting frustrated at why I'm not really 'reviewing' this film. Personally I believe Lost In Translation is a near masterpiece -It boasts strong performances, great dialogue, a touching yet realistic story and excellent direction. Despite my recommendation though to go and see the film, I should very much like to emphasize that it's not for everyone - there will be some people who will be bored out of their minds and while I certainly didn't feel that way in watching it, I understand perfectly well how there will be those who will be frustrated at its simplicity.