so-so movie with a good performance by Japan

Rating: 6/10 (30 September 2003)

First off, I can't figure out why all the reviews I read called this movie a comedy, since it's not very funny and doesn't seem to be trying to be a comedy. Second, it's just as overrated as Sofia's last movie. She seems to be one of these mediocre talents who for some incomprehensible reason become critical darlings (i.e. Robert Altman).
The movie is perfectly watchable but is really only notable for its wander-tourist-eye's-view of Japan. Monks and weird videogames, flashy lights and flower arranging, it's an interesting place, so the movie's not a total loss. But it's only fair.