Once upon a time in Japan

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2004)

This is a mood piece more than anything. Viewers going into this expecting a conventional story with dynamic twists and turns or extended comedy setpieces will be sorely disappointed. This is more of a rumination on loneliness and isolation. Out of that dreary premise, two kindred souls manage to connect and share a life affirming relationship - if just temporarily.
Good performances by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson (sp?) go a long way toward making Coppola's film readily accessible. Not a masterpiece, but a very personal and unique film.