Aren't we all....Lost in Translation

Rating: Null/10 (7 January 2004)

Lost in Translation is a touching and heart-warming story that explores the boundaries and significance of true friendship.
Two Americans meet in Japan, brought together through their mutual isolation in a country with vast cultural differences to their own.

Bonded by loneliness, they form an endearing friendship which enables them to discover this new land together.
Sofia Coppola has set a slow but steady pace, aided by a rather provoking soundtrack. The film has an ethereal quality about it which is similar to that seen in Coppola's The Virgin Suicides.
Bill Murray is outstanding as the middle-aged, jaded movie star coming to grips with a mid life crisis of sorts. He plays this same ambivalent character yet again, however he does it so damn well that it's hard not to like this performance.
Hot new young thing Scarlett Johansson (The Horse Whisperer) brings a sadness and vulnerability to her role as the fresh out of college young lady who is a little lost in the world and unsure of the direction she is supposed to take in life.
The strength of this film lies ultimately in it's intended ambiguity and 'not quite there' feel which reflects the characters feelings of being 'not quite there' in life, especially alone in Tokyo.
Tokyo is reflected wonderfully as a bright nocturnal playground, but perhaps the attitude towards the Japanese people and culture is slightly condescending (even though it makes for some hilarious scenes).