Lost Hearts Discover Each Other

Rating: 9/10 (23 September 2003)

An unlikely relationship develops between an over-the-hill movie star (Bill Murray) and a philosophy grad (Scarlet Johansson), both strangers to Japan, both staying in a Tokyo hotel, both stuck in loveless marriages, both feeling unbearably isolated. The dialogs between the characters are witty and funny but often superficial, a lot of the emotions are left unsaid, expressed only through the eyes of the two leads. Both actors deliver superior acting, especially Murray, who deserves an Oscar nomination. The opening scenes are hilarious, pitting the usual ¡°Murrayistic¡± sarcasm against language and cultural barriers between the east and the west. However a bittersweet yet serene theme runs through the entire film ¨C the movie has very little to do with cultural differences but the spark between two lonely hearts. The writing, directing, cinematography and sound track are all excellent, kudos to Sophie Coppola for making yet another great chick flick (the other one being The Virgin Suicides).