Dazed and Confused in Japan

Rating: 7/10 (18 October 2003)

Johansson and Murray are sleepless in Tokyo Japan, "Lost in Translation"'s third star. This is a simple yet effective story of two lonely and unsure Americans making a connection in the fascinating but intimidating Land of the Rising Sun. Ms. Coppola brings out the most of her three stars. I felt as fascinated and intimidated as the couple. I cared about them.
I read that Sofia Coppola pleaded for Bill Murray to play the role of Bob Harris, the weary, retreaded action movie hero. I'm glad he relented. Mr. Murray has a knack of following cynicism with gentleness.
Ms. Johansson conducts herself more maturely than her 18 years would indicate. A pleasantly surprising performance.