Sofia Coppola's second gift to the world

Rating: 10/10 (20 March 2004)

Sofia Coppola's an old friend of mine. No, we've (unfortunately) never actually met, but this is the second time that she's been able to move me, to talk to me and leave me with a beautiful and at the same time horrific feeling of melancholy... few friends are able to do that.
Of course, last time was in 1999 with the heartbreaking "Virgin Suicides". I can't remember how I persuaded some friends to go and see that movie, but afterward nobody complained. Except my heart, which was bleeding for a good three days after.
Lost in Translation seems to be doing the same thing (although I only saw it yesterday). Thank God for independent cinema complexes in Belgium, as the large ones didn't carry the movie. As with the Virgin Suicides, the movie doesn't grip you immediately, it just kind of slowly creeps up on you. You get to like Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson for the losers they are, and, let's face it, we've all been in that position before (those who have had to travel for work anyway) - so we can relate, although we might not want to admit it. A short summary: Bob (Bill Murray) is a somewhat over-the-hill actor who's in Japan to endorse a brand of whiskey for the money, Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) is married to a photographer on mission in Japan. Both are lost in a country where they don't know many people and don't speak the language, and their chance meeting is the only thing that keeps them sane. And of course friendship (and love?) grows... And leaves you and me, spectators, overwhelmed.
Rarely have I seen such beautiful photography in a movie (the colors, people, the colors!) - and the actors are brilliant. Bill Murray's Oscar nomination was more than deserved, as well as Scarlett's BAFTA award for best actress. And of course Sofia's Oscar for best original scenario - although the movie deserved (even) more.
Was going to give it a 9, but finally settled on 10/10. A rare gem in a field full of pebbles.