A very satisfying slice of life

Rating: 9/10 (19 October 2003)

This movie appeals on several levels.
It gives a vicarious travelogue of Tokyo, Japan, and Japanese culture. It captures that sense of careening one can feel in a foreign culture, just barely in touch with a few who barely understand one's language. And the narrative tells the story of a relationship across generations, often with small humorous and poignant touches.
Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) is a recent Yale graduate who's been married two years to a successful fashion photographer who's involved in his own career and less than appreciative of her erudition and knowledge. She's still unemployed, tagging along on this trip, having not yet "found herself," and not yet sure of what she can do, or if or how she can validate herself.
Bob (Bill Murray) is an aging movie star cashing in on his celebrity by doing some Japanese whiskey commercials. Bob faces parallel problems with his own personal life -- his wife of twenty-five years and their children are involved with each other but they have little emotional room for him.
So for each, their personal lives -- which one always hopes will be a haven from other stresses -- is the source of major stresses. And they're in the same Tokyo hotel. With much spare time on their hands.
They accidentally find each other and there's a gradual unfolding, a discovery, so the other becomes a source of emotional comfort, of understanding, and closeness despite their generational age differences.

How much will their closeness develop? How far will it go? That's what the movie is about.
Murray and Johansson give absolutely charming, superb performances.