EXCELLENT!!!!!

Rating: 10/10 (19 October 2003)

I just saw this movie last night, and all I can do is rave about it!! IMHO the best movie of 2003, hands down. Sofia Coppola is an excellent filmmaker. Where others filmmakers feel the need to use a lot of action and noise to make a point, she somehow manages to brilliantly make the same points, and makes them much better, with her minimalist technique. Despite what others have said on here, this minimalist technique does not come across the least bit boring.
I never expected the film to be as funny as it was either-it was non-stop laughs almost until the end with the exploration and comparison/contrast of Japanese vs. American culture. Those of us who have visited Japan will definitely identify with this.
Bill Murray and Scarlet Johanson could not of given better performances. Johanson I expected this of as I had seen her impressive turn in 'Ghost World'. Bill Murray-I had never really seen in a dramatic role, with the exception of his dull performance in 'Rushmore'. In 'LIT' he gave an extremely impressive, touching performance in this film and deserves accolades from Oscar. Both of them do!! What a fine dramatic actor he is turning out to be. Johanson and Murray had perfect, beautiful, touching chemistry that had me fighting back tears at the end of the film. The tension they created between these characters was dynamic and intriguing.
In a side note-this film is especially interesting being that it is somewhat based on truth from a visit to Japan Coppola took with her husband. Also the character that Anna Faris plays is rumored to be based on Cameron Diaz, and from what I can see, I would believe that to be the truth.
I give this film a 10/10!!!