This is "Real Cinema"....you need to see this!

Rating: 10/10 (16 December 2011)

The movie starts out framed in the bustling backdrop of Tokyo where Bob (Murray) a famous but disenchanted actor is contracted to do a whiskey commercial. It seems Bob doesn't know any of the local language, so any social interaction without an interpreter is impossible. Charlotte(Scarlett Johansson) a neglected wife of two years and recent graduate of philosophy is staying in the same hotel as Bob, with her photographer husband John (Giovanni Ribisi). Bob and Charlotte first meet in the hotel lift with just a glance and a smile and although they soon went their respective ways, this is the pivotal moment where their souls would be bound forever. For their own reasons Bob and Charlotte have difficulty sleeping, so they restlessly start moving about the Hotel at night. Soon they start bumping into each other in the Hotel's corridors and bars in their quest to still their minds, seemingly in an attempt to break away from some hidden shackles of their lives. It's during these encounters that Bob and Charlotte begin to share their life's stories and become friends. They begin arranged nightly excursions together around the social districts of Tokyo, roaming the streets, going to clubs and parties and even a strip joint. The pair shares many endearing moments of tenderness, awkwardness, confusion and fear as they try to come to terms with their mutual attraction despite the age difference. In time, it becomes evident that they had stirred each other's long denied desires, for purpose, to be wanted, heard and appreciated. Each time they meet, the tension is so powerful, unbearable even, like their gulping for air and you will be to. All they really wanted to do was embrace each other and never let go, but they resist. Eventually as they are lying in bed together (talking) after a night out, she curls up next to bob and starts to go to sleep; her foot just barely touching his hip. After a time, Bob (although in fear of overstepping)tentatively allows his hand to rest on it and is relieved that the gesture is accepted. This film is absolutely loaded with subtle yet powerful human emotion that really "gets in". Coppola truly displays her cinematic mastery as she captivates the audience with her unmatched story telling skills. The acting isn't credible, it's "incredible" and so deeply immersive; to the point you feel it's not acting at all, that it's "really" real. I found myself wracked with emotion at their dilemma and how it would ultimately unfold. This is a very poignant and emotionally stirring film something akin to the calibre of "The Notebook" I will not soon (if ever) forget.
You definitely need to see this film, Amazing!
Special thanks to my friend "Classylady_73" for recommending I watch this