A complex and yet simple film

Rating: 10/10 (30 November 2003)

I don't have much to add to the many comments here, but I do want to address some themes that have been popping up, particularly charges of "American-centric" attitudes, "stereotyping," and the relationship between the Charlotte and Bob.
Different cultures are, well, different. Both Charlotte and Bob are bewildered and amazed by the new place they're in; they seek "sameness" simply to be able to deal with the situation they're in. I studied in Spain in 1998, and even though I knew the language, there were many things I simply couldn't relate to (jokes making fun of Catalans, for example), and there were times when I simply wanted to sit back, watch MTV Europe and the latest episode of "Daria" in English. This has nothing to do with "otherness" or being close-minded; it has more to do with just feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Heck, I felt this way when I first visited New York City, and it's in the same country as me! So I don't think Bob and Charlotte are narrow-minded or not willing to bridge cultural differences; they are simply in an odd place in life, and they can't speak very much Japanese. (Charlotte does try to make several attempts to bridge the differences, but there are things she just can't relate to.) Also, keep in mind that a good quarter of the movie shows them enjoying Japanese culture quite a bit, if only superficially.
I don't see where this movie shows the Japanese in a stereotypical light. It portrays an innovative, quirky, complex, and vibrant culture...much like our own! I didn't see any timid women in kimonos or geeky Japanese businessmen; I saw an amazing ultra-modern city presented in its full glory, warts and all.
Lastly, I think much of Charlotte and Bob's relationship stems from the fact that they are in very similar situations. Both of their marriages are falling apart, both are in a huge city where they don't speak the language, and both feel like they haven't been accomplishing much in their lives recently. There were certainly hints that more could've happened, and in a lesser film, more would've happened, but Coppola takes the subtle route. It's true that Lost in Translation doesn't have much plot, but a lot of great movies don't have much of a plot (8 1/2, Cries and Whispers, and Wings of Desire come to mind immediately.) Coppola portrays a very particular and peculiar moment between two strangers in a strange place, and she succeeds beautifully.