the music is important

Rating: 9/10 (23 July 2006)

A beautifully paced film filled with images and set to the rhythm we imagine of Japan. Gently as the cherry blossom falls from the trees on the slopes of Mount Fuji we watch a story develop of the kind of love non-affair between two people judged beautifully by the the actors and Sofia Coppola of which we could say, 'That was right.' And the music is mixed into the scenes to paint the kind of tone poem/pictures that meld seamlessly into the film.
Perhaps ten minutes too long otherwise near perfection.
Johannsen seemingly has little to do but appear desirable but she matches Bill Murray's subtle portrait of ennui and isolation with her growing sense of detachment from her husband and their slowly, delicately dance of curiosity and desire.
Beatific pacing.