That is Cultural Shock!

Rating: 10/10 (9 February 2004)

Sofia Coppola (`The Virgin Suicide') wrote and directed this movie. I watched and had a few laughs. I fail to see the movie as a comedy per se though. It is actually sad to be alone abroad with no one to talk to, and to not understanding the language, habits, etc. All those people have cultural shock. I think it should be called `Cultural Shock' instead of `Lost in Translation.' I do not speak nor understand Japanese so I cannot tell if is there were things lost in translation. I know that some languages take at least a full sentences if not more, to translate in one English word. I know that is the case in the romance languages, like Portuguese, for instance. They are just wordier. That is why multilinguals talking to an English speaking person in a foreign language, will insert words in English, because there are no equivalent words. I think that she conveyed the idea of a cultural shock really well, and turned such a simple feeling into an Oscar nominated movie. That is what good movies are all about, making the audience re-live their own lives. A brilliant concept and well deserved nomination for Sofia. She is the first woman director to be nominated for an Oscar, and wish she would win, but this year I have the feeling the statuette will go to the hobbits.
I don't get it, I am not into that type of movie. Bill Murray ( `Ghostbusters II') `Bob Harris' has a great character and great job. The guy is seriously doing his job and I look at him and laugh. Well deserved Golden Globe, and could have 'thunk' that it was true that he fired his agent and his personal trainer committed suicide. That what I am saying, he is telling us something terrible sad, and we think he is joking. Scarlett Johansson (`Girl with a Pearl Earring') `Griet' is a very good actress with a very promising future before her. My favorite Scene: Bob Harris getting on the elevator, he looks like King Kong. When he stops the can to say good bye to the only blond in town. My favorite quote: Bob: `What kind of restaurant makes you cook your own food?' I highly recommend this movie. That is exactly how you feel in a different culture. It took me back to so many places I ve been to.
Great Idea! 10 out of 10.