A Masterpiece of Intimacy

Rating: Null/10 (6 March 2007)

"Lost in Translation" is unique. It makes me sad to hear people say it's overrated and boring because "nothing happens". True, if you want to see car chases and teenage massacres, you better look for the next "The Fast and the Furious" or "Hostel", since lots of good stuff happen there. Otherwise, you should give LiT a try.
This is a movie that you feel, relate to. Bob Harris (Bill Murray), a 50-something year-old movie star, and the young, Yale-graduate Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), meet in a Tokyo hotel and develop an unusual bond. It can be seen as a friendship or a romance, depending on your point of view. They feel disconnected with their respective spouses. They don't speak Japanese and everything sounds weird in that city of blinding lights. But the language barrier is the least of their problems. Human relationships are the hardest to translate, and Bob and Charlotte will realize they have a lot in common and decide to enjoy their time together. Sofia Coppola's wonderful, sensitive screenplay, the gorgeous soundtrack and the beautiful cinematography (by Lance Acord) take us into their world, and we have an unforgettable night in Tokyo - the peak being a relaxing karaoke.
I've loved "Lost in Translation" since the first time I saw it, by the end of 2004, and when I moved to the US last year (I'm Brazilian and lived in my hometown for 18 years), I could relate to it even more. You don't have to move from your homeland or have to learn a second language to feel lost in translation, though - actually, it's something that you'll probably feel at least for a short while in your life, if you're lucky. If not, you may live your whole life totally lost without even knowing and not enjoying it to the fullest.
Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson (it's amazing to see she was only 17 going on 18 when it was filmed) deliver magnificent performances and have one of the greatest on-screen chemistries I've ever seen; Giovanni Ribisi (as Charlotte's husband) and Anna Faris as a dumb blonde actress (the scene in which she sings "Nobody Does It Better" is hilarious) give great support. Sofia Coppola crafted this timeless masterpiece of intimacy that'll make anyone who ever felt dull and alone in this world, satisfied. And wishing for more.
"You're not hopeless". 10/10.