We Do Have Problems....But We'll Always Have Tokyo.

Rating: Null/10 (11 February 2004)

Excellent motion picture experience that speaks volumes with crazed situations, quiet moments and moving cinematic expressions. Seemingly washed-up American actor Bill Murray (in his greatest role) has come to Tokyo to film an advertisement for a brand of scotch. Simultaneously young adult Scarlett Johansson is staying at the same high-rise hotel as Murray with her photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi). She has just completed her education at Yale (getting a degree in philosophy), but now she does not know what to do with her life. It is painfully clear that both Murray and Johansson are suffering from jet lag and struggle to sleep properly. Their ailments go much further than physical time clocks though. Both are lonely, sad and isolated in one of the largest cities in the world. Their struggle to communicate with the natives and their want to just go back to the U.S. lead them both together. On first glance they appear to be total opposites except for their nationality. But it becomes clear very quickly that both do not have love in their lives and both are concerned with living in general. Murray is distraught at how his life has turned out while Johansson is worried about how her life is going to play out. Strangely Johansson sometimes appears as a window to Murray's past. His past seems to be filled with many similarities to Johansson's present state. Frequent phone calls from Murray's wife paints a picture of a partnership rather than a marriage. The discussions seem to go towards money and carpeting rather than their children or how much they miss one another. Johansson and Ribisi also act more like business partners than spouses. Murray, obviously a loving father, still wonders if having children was the right thing to do (a very difficult balancing act of emotions here). The situations throughout are often hilarious, but still poignant and effective. Everything in this picture has a deeper meaning than it shows on the surface. This is one of the deepest and more emotional films I have encountered. "Lost in Translation" could best be described as "Casablanca" for the Generation X and Y groups. The love story between Murray and Johansson is strictly platonic and as the movie moves along it is clear that they share a connection that goes beyond their ages, their backgrounds and even their personal tastes. Sofia Coppola's landmark screenplay and unique direction are revelations. She has a wide array of characters who come and go, but never loses the focus on her two leads. Murray is exceptional. He finally found a role that shows his hidden abilities and Johansson might even be better. This is bound to be a role that could make her a marketable super-star. It is very easy to get lost in this world and "Lost in Translation" is probably the greatest picture to show just how true this is. 5 stars out of 5.