Hits home if you're an over-50 male

Rating: Null/10 (22 September 2003)

Once a man is trapped in his own web of obligations, memories of lost opportunities, and recognition of his own decline, then this movie hits home. You have to be over 50 to really 'get it.' There's a big difference between falling in love, being in love, and making love -- and this film allows its two protagonists to refrain from each of these as well as the choices to indulge them. (Incidentally, having spent time in Tokyo, this film really captures the city, its rhythms, its contradictions, and -- above all -- its vitality. I would recommend it to anyone as a 'travel film' even if the rest of it sucked -- which it does not.) Expect some humor, but it is somewhat subtle. You need to watch Bill Murray's face (and read it) to really appreciate some of it.