I was sorely disappointed in this film after reading critics' reviews.

Rating: 3/10 (5 March 2004)

I had a very hard time watching all of this movie. Other than Bill Murray's performance and the settings in Japan, I was bored out of my mind with the slow, slow storyline. To me, it was just a dull film. I have talked with many other people, and they all agree with me. Some walked out of the theatre; others could not believe all the hype about the film and the praise it has received. How can anyone say it is a comedy? Who out there agrees with me? I have been a movie attendee for fifty years, and I rate this movie near the bottom of the list. On the other hand, I was glad to see Sofia win the Oscar for original screenplay. Just don't think the overall acting, or the degree of acting, was enough to warrant her the best director nomination.