A Beautiful Little Slice of Life

Rating: 9/10 (2 May 2005)

Beautiful cinematic views of Japan, an exquisite soundtrack that combines alt/rock standards with newly composed music provides the perfect ambient backdrop for the 'lost' Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson.
Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray give remarkable and sensitive performances that portray well the feelings and experiences of anyone lost in relationships either new or old.
The contrasting experiences of wandering through the bright lights of the Shibuya club scene and viewing the peaceful art of flower arrangement or a marriage processional in the Jugan-ji court-yard ring true for anyone who has traveled in the midst of soul-searching.
The bond that develops between the aging actor and the recent Yale graduate is both tender and very true-to-life. And, of course, the inevitable sleeplessness and boredom that is typical of a hotel room in a foreign leads to experiences for the characters that are spot-on and in their 'true-ness' very humorous. At times the humor of the movie is bitter-sweet but more sweet than bitter.
While some viewers (particularly some Japanese viewers) may find the portrayal of Japan stilted or stereotypical -- it should be recalled that Translation is a comedy. And further that it represents a Japan seen from the fuzzy lense of the uninitiated, desperately tired western visitor. It is no wonder that some of the views of this Japan are Lost in Translation.