The power of Japan

Rating: Null/10 (28 December 2003)

I saw this film on the eve of returning to Tokyo. It is about two people, but Tokyo is the third character. I am biased in my love of this film, because I love Japan. Not only was it about two people discovering each other, it was also about two Westerners discovering the magic of Japanese culture (modern and ancient). This would have to be Bill Murray's finest performance, in my opinion. It's about time he had a leading role. I have never seen more natural dialogue and interaction between actors than I have seen in this film. It's almost like a documentary in the way the two main characters interact and communicate with others. One of my favorite scenes would have to be Bill Murray in the hospital attempting to communicate with the little old ojisan, while two women in the background were crying with laughter. I also felt that it had alot to say about relationships. The phone calls between Bill Murray and his wife of 25 years were particlularly poignant. It's scary to think that you can you be married to someone for so long and still feel as though they are a stranger. I like the fact that we never knew what he whispered in Charlotte's ear at the end. It may have been nothing, but it may have been life changing for them both. Scarlett Johannsen was fantastic, acting with a wisdom and maturity beyond her years. The comic moments were spot-on. When you go to Japan and see the likes of Ewan MacGregor in cheesy commercials (Roots coffee in a can, English language schools), the Suntory whiskey scenes are hilarious. I also loved the bit with the "Japanese Johnny Carson". Japanese television is enthrallingly atrocious.