A Parodic view on Japanese Society?

Rating: 8/10 (1 October 2003)

I was attracted to this movie because it was set in Japan, a country that I've been interested in for many years. Secondly, this movie stars Bill Murray, a likable actor, even though I have not seen a majority of his movies. After seeing L.I.T, I think they couldn't have picked a better actor to play the part of Bob Harris, a movie star turned whiskey commercial actor with a semi rocky marriage.
Bob Harris is having a terrible time in Japan while shooting a commercial for a Japanese whiskey. He spends most of his sleepless nights at the hotel bar, where he ends up meeting a similar companion by the name of Charlotte played by 18 year-old Scarlett Johansson (The Horse Whisperer.) Charlotte's husband (played by Giovanni Ribisi, Gone In 60 Seconds,Saving Private Ryan) of two-years is a photographer who is sent to Japan on business is going through the same thing.
Despite the age difference, Bob and Charlotte form a beautiful friendship. They do various things around Tokyo, and other places. Bill forgets his troubles, as does Charlotte. They hang out with some of Charlotte's Japanese friends and they go from dance club, to karaoke room and briefly to a strip club (which seemed kind of pointless aside from getting them to wander off alone.)
Even though it has an awkward love story, the movie is hilarious; Harris' tall man's struggle to get along in a country where small is the norm. Charlotte, lost in a world while not knowing what to do in life. The scenery is great, as are the shots of downtown Tokyo. They even poke fun at the Japanese language.
Aside from the gratuitous nude scenes. This movie makes me want to visit Japan even more. If you're interested in, Bill Murray, Japan, or a comedic drama/love story this movie is definitely right up your alley.