Second time was charm

Rating: 10/10 (8 August 2004)

Joey-tribiani was right. I hated the movie the first time I saw it- in a theater. I actually fell asleep at one point. I decided to watch it on DVD just to find out if I missed something that others noticed and raved about. I was surprised to see that I really enjoyed the movie. Not only that, I could appreciate the subtlety, the way the two main characters behave toward each other- from being total strangers to soul mates. In a traditional movie they would have fallen in love, but here they just enjoy each other's company, knowing that it is a temporary thing, and yet meaningful in a strange way. Bill Murray should have received the Oscar for this. Scarlett Johansson is one of my most favorite actresses these days. Her unique beauty and intelligence really set her apart. She portrays the character Charlotte with such ease, she is not acting at all. The only criticism I have of the movie is that at times it drags a little. It is interesting to watch the different places Bob & Charlotte visit, but the story does not move at all. The story itself is very simple and it is not an action packed movie. That's what I appreciated during my second viewing- this time on DVD. I am going to watch in one more time to appreciate it even more. I really enjoyed the hospital scene and how Bob & Charlotte start caring for each other in subtle ways. It is not romantic but it is touching.
SPOILER ahead
Their relationship is mostly platonic. However, after Charlotte discovers that Bob slept with another woman, she is slightly upset. Bob follows her to the restaurant and she makes reference to his age. She must be feeling hurt and mad. On their last night in Tokyo they hold hands in the restaurant. The last scene where Bob asks the driver to turn the taxi around, and Bob and Charlotte finally embrace, let their emotions out, and give a goodbye kiss, is very well done.
I am not sure the screenplay is Great, but it is very creative and unique and Sophia Coppola deserves credit as screen writer and director for producing this movie. I am glad that I did not dismiss the movie after seeing it the first time. So those of you who thought it was an awfully boring film, rent a DVD and you might be surprised.