This is a finely cut gem, made all the more rare considering it was mined out of the fields of Hollywood - albeit on the outskirts.

Rating: 10/10 (15 March 2004)

Absolute perfection, not one false note in the whole film. Not since Kubrick's "Clockwork Orange" have I had such an intense visceral reaction to the mood of detachment and alienation so exquisitely crafted by Coppola, her cinematographer, cast and production designers.
Bill Murray, whose subtle and poignant performance made me simultaneously roar and weep, deserves to be recognized as the dramatic/comedic genius he is. This made all the other Oscar nominated best male lead performances of 2003 appear overblown and contrived in comparison.
Scarlett Johansson's performance was a revelation. Not many actresses can match Murray scene for scene, (witness Andie McDowell in "Groundhog Day") but she nails it with every drag on her cigarette and quiver of her lips.
Tokyo, the third lead in this film, playing itself, was perfectly cast. I can't imagine a more appropriate city in which to set a film about two people feeling isolated and outside of their lives. The film stayed with me for days. Bravo!