not your run of the mill hollywood tripe...

Rating: Null/10 (8 March 2004)

okay, i've read a ton of reviews about this movie. many people were lost, seemingly because the movie is different than what hollywood usually spits out. i'm amazed at how so many people missed the point: this is a character movie! there is no real plot because the movie circumnavigates the characters' relationship. i watched it back-to-back because it is amazing. the writing was totally original and fresh. the cinematography was gorgeous. and the dialogue was minimal, real and powerful. the relationship was explored perfectly and didn't get too in depth. the characters kept each other close enough to feel something, yet far enough away as to avoid stepping over any boundaries. the ending was so necessary and fitting. it was totally not hollywood. hollywood would have had Bob stay in Japan. instead, he went back to his old life despite his feelings. what do i think he said to her at the end? i hope it went a little something like this, "I will never forget you. Don't forget me, okay?" he walks away amidst the thumping bass drum of a perfectly placed ode to an unforgettable lady, "Just Like Honey" by the Jesus and Mary Chain. The song topped off a great soundtrack for an amazing, thought provoking film.