It is hard to find a comparison or even describe Lost in Translation, but all I can say is that it is a must see movie.
This is a tale of life and finding oneself when you find yourself surrounded by everything foreign and all that is left is to sit and think.
Bob Harris (Murray) and Charlotte (Johansson) are two Americans that find themselves alone in Tokyo. Bob is an actor in town shooting a commercial for Japanese whiskey, while Charlotte is playing the role of supportive wife to her workaholic photographer husband (Ribisi).
The two of them are unable to sleep and their paths cross one night in the hotel bar. Their meeting is more than it may seem at first and blossoms into a surprising friendship. Encountering all Japan has to offer together the two have hilarious encounters with Tokyo’s citizens, and start to explore all life has to offer seeing life through a different prospective.
Murray shines as the lead actor and his subtle use of comedy and his interactions with photographers, filmmakers, and talk show hosts will leave you in stitches. His comments and facial reactions are so subtle and effortless they come together so naturally that it is hard to find the acting.
His counterpart, Scarlett Johansson, has not had a lot of big time movie experience. You may recognize her from Eight Legged Freaks, The Horse Whisperer, or The Man Who Wasn’t There but it is in Lost in Translation that she really shines. Combined with Murray the two compliment each other so well that it almost seems like it just may be real. You can also look forward to more from Johansson when she will play Fransesca in the upcoming flick, The Perfect Score.
Lost in Translation is a comedic comedy that deserves recognition and more than one viewing. Seeing Murray and his expression as he towers over the shorter Japanese characters and makes an attempt at conversation with another in a hospital lobby are priceless and deserve a second and third viewing.
The movie as a whole never oversteps its boundaries and gives the viewer the chance to come to their own conclusions in the end. It is emotionally touching and leaves you wanting more once the credits role. Don’t hesitate to plunk down the cash to see this one, it is well worth your time.
