Evokes nostalgia and emotion - a masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (24 February 2008)

I lived in Japan three times in my life for a total of about eight years. The first time as a child in Tokyo in the mid-60's when it was very different than now. The last time for me (2003 - 2005), was the culmination of a career, and both personally and professionally the best time of my life (and my family's) so far. My wonderful situation there can never be recreated for me. So this movie evokes emotion in me on several levels.
The story of the connection between Bob and Charlotte is sweet, and I love the fact that there is no apparent physical affair between them. It would have cheapened their relationship. In a different way, it also captures some of the relationships and friendships that are forged by foreigners abroad. If you haven't experienced it, it's hard to describe. We made some of our closest friends living in Japan. So their parting is bittersweet and the relationship a memorable one.
Sofia Coppola's depiction of a Gaijin visiting Japan for the first time is right on the mark. For those of us who have lived there, it's very, very funny and captures many of the little nuances, strangeness and feel of Tokyo. She captures some of the absolute beauty of Kyoto and the train ride there.
So the film brings back a lot of wonderful memories for me. I'll continue to watch this film every time I want to remember what that best time in my life felt like. A masterpiece.