Lost in Translation (2003) [Review]

"I don't want to leave." "So don't. Stay here with me."

PLOT SYNOPSIS

A has-been actor and a lonely newlywed who are both stuck in Tokyo become friends when their mutual boredom and difficulty understanding the foreign city gets the best of them.

REVIEW

God I love this movie. It's a love story. It's a friendship movie. It's a movie about being alone. It's a love letter to Japan. It's so much more than what it seems on the surface, and it is an incredibly moving and rewarding experience that everyone should live at least once.

You'll be captivated by the raw, unfiltered, and utterly real imagery that Sofia Coppola manages to capture, bringing Japan to life and making you feel as if you are experiencing the majesty and mystery of Tokyo along with the main characters. You'll feel what it's like to be super jet-lagged for days on end. You'll witness the unrivaled tradition of Japanese hospitality and gift-giving. You'll live the urban Japanese nightlife.

Beyond the essence of Tokyo and its denizens, Coppola also captures the experience of being a first-timer in Japan: the frustration at not being able to communicate with anyone properly, the confusion of trying to navigate the public transportation system alone, the elation following the discovery of Japanese cuisine and drink ... It's all here, fascinating and, having been there myself, completely accurate.

This is accomplished with the aid of its characters, incredibly brought to life by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. Their chemistry and natural demeanor will have you believing that they are two real people, not actors, wandering the streets of Japan for a week. Their nuanced deliveries will make you share their frustrations and joys, and make their story of two strangers finding solace in one another all the more powerful.

All of these elements, combined with an incredibly haunting and memorable soundtrack, will have you visiting all sorts of emotions before ultimately leaving you with a feeling of bliss and fond memories.

Lost in Translation is not only a perfect slice-of-life film, but also a powerful tribute to both human nature and the Land of the Rising Sun. Get lost in this one kiddos, because it's one-of-a-kind.

SUMMARY

A film that will mesmerize and captivate thanks to its powerful performances, exotic imagery, and relatable subject matter.

VERDICT

GREAT

PROS