Rating of
4/4
A near perfect masterpiece
Andrew - wrote on 07/21/12
Lost in Translation is one of those films in which just about everything is perfect. The performances from Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are simply brilliant and their chemistry is great. The cinematography is magnificent and the eclectic soundtrack works very well. Lost in Translation is a joy to watch from start to finish.
Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is an aging actor who comes to Tokyo to shoot a TV commercial for Suntory Whiskey. Bob is in the midst of a mid-life crisis, as he grows bored with his marriage and ventures down to the hotel bar, where he meets Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) a recent college graduate married to John (Giovanni Ribisi), a photographer who seems to pay little attention to her, opting for the company of models, as well as airhead actress Kelly (Anna Faris). Bob and Charlotte strike up a friendship as they experience the culture of Japan.
Bill Murray's performance as Bob is surely his best. He brings the trademark Murray charm to the role as he portrays Bob as a fun loving wisecracker with a sweet side. Johansson is equally great in her role, portraying a character several years older than herself at the time. Johansson does an excellent job by keeping her character simple and sympathetic.
Sofia Coppola proves herself to be a powerhouse of a writer and director in this one, building on the equally great The Virgin Suicides, her first feature. She turns Tokyo into one of the film's major stars, showcasing its neon landscapes and skyscrapers. The screenplay is brilliantly written, so its no surprise she won for Best Original Screenplay.
Overall, Lost in Translation is one of the best films of 2003 and needs to be seen.
Recent Comments
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 07/21/12 at 09:46 PM CT
Lost in Translation Review comment
Nice review. Glad I'm not alone who appreciates this underrated gem. If only she her brilliance in directing this film translated to her acting in Godfather III hahaha.
