Distinctive and absorbing

Rating: 10/10 (19 April 2004)

Far too seldom does a film come along which can capture one's imagination and experience a movie not only from the mind, but from one's heart. Lost in Translation is one of those films. Being somewhat of a skeptic, I didn't bring alot of expectations into watching this movie, as it was so well received by the critics that I knew that by it's hype alone, it was probably a good movie. I spoke to a friend who said that watching the movie, he wanted to dislike it as it was filmed in a documentary style with choppy editing, and left the viewer witnessing third person the story unfolding on the screen. My friend said that as much as he wanted to hate this movie, he couldn't because it was too good and he ended up loving it. In some ways I feel the same way. Experiencing the sensory overload of a visit to Tokyo Japan through the eyes and ears of two extremely lonely American insomniacs, we are left feeling as confused over the surroundings as the characters played by Murray and Johanssen. Both characters are obviously not very happy with their lives until they meet each other and experience a whirlwind platonic friendship that could have advanced into something of a fling had either character allowed it to happen. The fact that they both resisted and remained platonic I think is the pinnacle of the achievement of this movie. Both characters realize their feelings for each other but yet act responsibly in honoring their respective marriages. The relationship that develops between these two is beautiful and enlightening and leaves the viewer with a wish for something good to happen in their own lives. This movie has several moments of comedy interspersed throughout but it is not in an of itself a funny movie. It is enjoyable because it is very real and you are left believing that what you see on the screen could have very well taken place, maybe thousands of times throughout the world. This movie will be one that people watch more than once because it is ultimately a feel good movie.