Rating: 
Summary: There are no Loses in seeing this movie
Review: Sophia Coppola has done it again and made a very enjoyable and physically appealing movie. Although there is very little plot the movie works because of the actors, music, and scenery. Bill Murray is wonderful and maybe will finally get the attention for being the fine actor he is. Scarlette is stungingly beautiful and always plays her parts so well. She never over acts and no just how to light the screen up with her bright smile. The movie is an enjoyable treat and worth ever bit of the $9 or so to see it.
Rating: 
Summary: You either get it .. or you dont get it
Review: I'm amazed at the love-it hate-it split in views this movie inspires. I've come to the conclusion that the movie has been tailor-made for people who have experienced travel out of a western comfort zone.I've stayed at the park hyatt tokyo many times, and so has the director, according to her interviews. She has totally NAILED the feeling of looking at tokyo at day, and especially at night, through glass. The city holds amazing promise and yet is as strange and unreachable as a faberge egg in a museum case. I could go on and on about how well she has caught the spirit of the melancholia one can get in such a situation. The hollow sound hotel corridors on the 50th floor make at night, all the familiar yet strange noises of Japan, the shinkansen, temple gardens, the neon, eccentric japanese "fashion people", late night TV. For me, it was like watching part of my life, replayed in 70mm. Then along come these two frankly lovable characters and find each other in the midst of all the strangeness. Ok, so, this is nearly impossible but any traveller knows that such a thing isnt IMPOSSIBLE either and so one always hopes .... As Scarlett says at one point "lets never visit here again, because it'll never be as fun". They sense from the beginning an amazing number of things have fallen into place in order that they might find each other for a few days, and such serendipity is unlikely to ever be repeated. Indeed as Bob sings:
It was fun for a while / There was no way of knowing / Like dream in the night / Who can say where we're going / No care in the world / Maybe i'm learning / Why the sea on the tide
Has no way of turning / More than this - there is nothing / More than this - tell me one thing / More than this - there is nothing Oh - one reviewer 'black dove' questions the necessity of the 'bb gun' scene, well, it wasn't a bb gun. It was just a toy laser/light rifle with very strong sound effects! cute. wacky. fun. drunken. Just like the best of the night life there. The SOUNDTRACK is just perfect, brilliant, for the film, although in more than one place you just wish a cut did not come so soon and so suddenly. It is like there was just too much music for the minutes of film available. Indeed there is way too much of tokyo for the film to contain, IMO. Outdoor filming must have been tough and obviously the park hyatt was relied on a little TOO much for minutes of screen-time. More trains, more travel, more nightlife, more neon, and I'd be just dying of flashback induced pleasure. Scarlett Johansson is wonderful, by the way. Wow. But there are some people who will assume japanese are being stereotyped here (they are not. Any stereotyping in this case is in the eye of the beholder), or are afraid to travel, or just prefer action and plot, or can never believe Sofia has talent, that will lash out unfairly at this movie. Well, they are wrong. This movie wasn't made for these people, it was made for us.
Rating:
Summary: An Amazing Piece of Contemporary Cinema
Review: I loved this film. I was hesitant to see this film considering I was not a huge fan of the Virgin Suicides and wasn't exactly sure what kind of film it was supposed to be. Yet from beginning to end I was simply awestruck at the brilliance of the story, the romantic tensions, the innovative cinematography, and the Oscar-worthy performances by Bill Murray and the gorgeous Scarlett Johansson. Lost In Translation captured the essence of a dialogue-driven story, yet it spoke more during its silent sequences than when the actors were speaking. It was a bit like Woody Allen's Manhattan in the fact of the age difference between Murray and Johansson and the clever witty humor. However, unlike a Woody Allen picture, it focused less on sexual relations, and more on pure innocent affection. The music from this film is also a very important factor in the absolute brilliance of it. The overall mood that it sets for the picture renders emotions that make you not only feel love and sorrow for the protagonists, but makes you feel the love that they share. This is without a doubt the best picture of the year!
Rating:
Summary: a subtle romance
Review: One of the oft-stated purposes of the creative arts, beyond that of simple entertainment, is to enlighten the spectator by inspiring reflection on his or her own condition. Works of creative expression can thus involve us in a kind of dialogue with the work that illuminates aspects of our lives in ways we might not have considered otherwise. Such works don't need to be perfect masterpieces, or even necessarily 'good' as defined along any number of narrow guidelines. They only need to touch a chord, evoke an emotional reaction and give us pause. Lost In Translation engages us in that dialogue through an unconventional love story told without the melodrama typical of most films of this stripe. The premise is straightforward: Bob Harris (Bill Murray, in one of his best roles), a fading Hollywood star visiting Tokyo to shoot a commercial because he needs the money, meets Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), who is visiting Tokyo with her self-absorbed celebrity photographer husband. The spiritual dislocation both Bob and Charlotte have probably been carrying around for some time comes into bold relief due to a mixture of loneliness, cultural isolation and insomnia, and as they run into each other more often in the bar of the hotel where they are both staying, they spark with the sense of kindred recognition. There is a revealing moment in Lost In Translation where Bob and Charlotte are lying in bed together talking (it bears mentioning that they are both fully clothed and haven't had sex, nor do they ever within the narrative span of the film). The conversation begins lightly in tone, then gravitates toward the Big Issues we all face -- marriage, children, knowing oneself, growing old -- and winds down with Charlotte lying half-curled on her side facing Bob lying on his back, their rapport and mutual affection having built to this point into something comfortable and relaxed, yet without any physical contact. Then, just before the scene fades out, Bob reaches out a few inches and very matter-of-factly puts his hand on Charlotte's foot, a simple, tender gesture that lays open what this film is all about. There are a number of moments like this -- the last scene of the movie is particularly touching because of the way director Sofia Coppola stages it -- which are ripe with the knowledge that romance and affection need not lead inexorably to sex, and can offer far greater rewards. Considered in tandem with Coppola's previous film, The Virgin Suicides, we might in fact be seeing the emergence of a theme in her work concerning chaste relationships between members of the opposite sex who convey a profound sense of intimacy through small gestures. (For contrast, the aftermath of sexual union in both films is either an embarassment or a severe disappointment.) Lost In Translation admittedly has its flaws. Some scenes go on too long, some are unnecessary, and various lines of dialogue should have been rewritten to excavate the truth from inside the cliche. The poetic style -- unhurried, suggestive, often wordless -- is more common in European films and will be most effective for those who appreciate storytelling that prefers subtle movement over clumsy exposition. I personally found myself happily lulled by the pacing and, while satisfied at the end, I was sad to be leaving these two characters. Anyone expecting broad comedy (though there are some very funny parts) or a by-the-numbers 'chick flick' will be terribly unhappy with this movie, but more patient viewers will be rewarded. To my tastes, by sketching a relationship of almost Victorian restraint inside a brash, indifferent environment, Sofia Coppola has made the most romantic film of the year.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Movie, Trapped in a Good Film!
Review: Have you ever sat through a movie that is really good, has a compelling story, great characters, and yet still felt a little cold? I mean you really liked the movie, it made you think, it didn't play down to you, and yet you were hoping for little bit more? Sophia Coppola's new film LOST IN TRANSLATION, is a good movie with a great movie caught inside it. TRANSLATION stars Bill Murray (Groundhog Day) as Bob Harris, a former hotshot action star at the end of his career. His marriage may be falling apart, his life is coming unraveled, and he's just been offered two million dollars to hawk an alcoholic beverage in Japan. Life seems to be getting worse until he strikes up a relationship with an unlikely friend. Her name is Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson, The Man Who Wasn't There) and she just so happens to be in the same boat. Her photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi, The Other Sister) is living a dream and ignoring her. She's alone in a city of millions. TRANSLATION is so rich with ideas. Here you're presented with two people who are alone forced to cling to each other for lack of anyone else. In America would these two friends ever find each other? Probably not, but here they are strangers in a strange land and all that makes a difference. Bill Murray once again takes the smart road and distances himself from the films that made him a star. He plays a character of such stunning vulnerability and yet silly charm. I loved how he disappears into a scene. You forget you're looking at the guy from MEATBALLS. I sometimes miss the silly and crazy actor he once was, but at least when he turns in a dramatic performance it's well worth watching. Johansson should also be congratulated for her fine performance. I liked her understated charm and silly little smile. The camera loves to linger on her because she's got this unique screen presence. Of course she's beautiful, but not as a typical actress is beautiful. She's beautiful like that girl in you're high school homeroom is beautiful, or that random women on the street is beautiful. Johansson can exist in the real world. She's average and yet mysterious, cute and yet understated. All that aside the biggest problem with the movie is that much of the plot is half realized. To make up for this Coppola trains her camera on Johansson as she a stare out windows, lays in bed, takes walk around Tokyo and then stares out the widow again. A little of this is okay; it even worked sometimes. I gave us a look inside her head. But after we've figured out that she's lonely we keep watching her look out windows, and walk around. It was too much and prolonged the meat of the movie, the relationship between her and Bob. To the films credit there is a great sequence in which Bob and Charlotte are laying together in a bed. You can tell they have a connection that sparks are flying, in a Hollywood movie this is the point that they'd begin to kiss. But in this film Bob does something far more interesting he just touches her foot. In real life you have to face the ones you love in the morning, Best not throw it all away on a person you hardly know. TRANSLATION is about what connects people. Is it a love story? Is it a story about friendship? Is it a story about fidelity? Is it about following your heart? Yes and no, and maybe so. What's here is a compelling piece of filmmaking that dares you to do something we, as causal moviegoers, are seldom allowed to do. It dares us to think. **** out of 5
Rating:
Summary: Masterful and Organic
Review: How can I add to what so many have said? The writing and directing is this film is authentic and brilliant. The characters are beautifully brought to life by Scarlett and Bill, who fully deserve the critical praise they've already recieved. This film is purely authentic. These characters are real humans you feel like you know and understand on some level, regardless of what you think of them. The journey is made up of what seems to be real life experiences, rather than contrived Hollywood fantasy. This is the best film of 2003. To clarify something, Sofia Coppola got funding for this film by pre-selling the distribution rights. According to Filmmaker Magazine, Bill Murray did this for "No Money". Whether that means scale or on deferrment I don't know. What I do know is that people saying that Daddy Coppola is responsible for the funding or critical acclaim is just fantasy. She did risky funding all on her own to ensure final cut, and I'm glad she did. This is not a Hollywood movie, and the naysayers are clearly used to the latest romantic comedy which recycles the same formula over and over again. This film is original and refreshing. The ending is perfect. It's a private moment left to the characters and your imagination. This film demonstrates that chemistry, tension and attraction can happen without cheesy love scenes. Trust what EVERY reputable critic is saying about this film! This film is a real experience, don't miss it!
Rating: 
Summary: One of the worst movies of the year!
Review: This movie is dreadfully boring. Very slow even in the fast scenes. Not very funny. Hardly any character development. As a matter of fact, the two main characters are the same at the end of the movie as they were at the beginning. This movie is over-rated. I wonder if the critics are being paid off?
Rating: 
Summary: (2 1/2) Excellent Peformances - Why Not A Five Star Rating?
Review: I recognize that this review definitely represents a minority viewpoint regarding the merits of this film. I hope that it nevertheless will provide valuable insights to moviegoers whose tastes resemble my own, and that in addition it provides some counterbalance to those reviewers whose admiration for the obvious merits of this film causes them to gloss over what I regard as legimate criticisms. I will begin by conceding the following positives. First, the concept animating the film has excellent potential and the title is indeed an accurate reflection of the concept behind the film. Second, the acting of the two leads is indeed excellent and their chemistry develops exactly as intended.. Third, the cinematography is also quite good. Fourth, there are several very clever moments and some truly enjoyable humorous incidents. Fifth and last, the movie captures some wonderful scenes of Tokyo and the aura it creates exactly mirrors all my totally uninformed preconceptions of what life in Tokyo is like for the upper classes. Thus, while I'm not at all sure that I would concede that Bill Murray's performance is of Academy Award potential as his admirers claim, it is certainly first rate and was one of the elements that provided some enjoyment in a film that I found tedious overall. The idea (it does not really rise to the level of a plot) is simplicity itself. Bill Harris (Murray) arrives in Tokyo to be photographed for an advertising campaign, an aging celebrity who has agreed to endorse a line of alcoholic drinks in return for two million dollars. He doesn't understand the language so can't converse or watch televsion, is sleepless because of jet lag, has a translator who is of little help, and ends up whiling his late nights away in the hotel bar. Coincidentally Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) is plagued by the same problems and winds up in the same bar while her husband, a photographer who she has accompanied on his shoot in Japan, ignores her to pursue his work and old friendships. Thus, in their isolation they gradually form a bond of friendship and participate in both the Tokyo nightlife and discussions of their situation. There is an undercurrent of attraction, as she is younger and definitely very easy to look at, while he provides some of the intellectual stimulation and attention completely lacking from her husband. While Bob feels further isolated by the very brief contacts that he has with his wife due to her busy routine (and exacerbated by the time differential between Tokyo and the United States), he still seems to be comfortable with his life and just waiting to finish his assignment, collect his enormous fee, and return home to resume his routine . Meanwhile Charlotte seems too young and too recently married to have any serious thoughts regarding her apparent lack of compatibility with her husband. Thus, their friendship remains exactly that, both perhaps wanting more but neither ready to translate their feelings into a serious discussion about themselves. It appears that not just foreign languages often lose something in translation. Thus in the end, to mix metaphors, they are like two trains bound for nowhere simply passing in the night. This movie is an artistically excellent examination of some elements of the human condition but does not capitalize on its potential, perhaps it was LOST IN TRANSLATION. My reaction was the same as when viewing paintings by great artists that neither inspire or interest me. I may admire the technique and the technical brillance, but their totality leaves me unmoved. It seems to me that the only reason to watch this movie is for the existential experience of the viewing itself, and I found it too long and tedious and the subject matter of too little interest for the experience itself to be very worthwhile. There is no greater meaning or real story here. This is a movie that I will probably never want to watch again, although film clips of a few of the more memorable scenes would be quite enjoyable. Thus, I decided to round down my rating as a reflection of my personal reaction to the film, not as a reflection of its overall quality. If you like brilliantly directed and technically inteesting films, you will probably enjoy this. And if you are a Bill Murray fan it is defintely worth your time. But if you want a great plot and interesting story, there are plenty of better movies to attend. Tucker Andersen
Rating:
Summary: Something Different.
Review: It's rare when one movie is able to capture the essence of true lonliness and fellowship, but LOST IN TRANSLATION is such a film. Each one of us knows what it is like to be surrouned by many people, yet feel totally and utterlessly alone. At the same time, all of us also know what it is like to find true fellowship with someone; not the masked, skin-deep appearances that many mistake for friendship, but the true soul-connecting fellowship that alleviates the pain that lonliness leaves. That's part of what LOST IN TRANSLATION is about. It also has some other things to say: to truly enjoy life you have to know yourself; people can be friends without being lovers; and sometimes the smallest things in life are the most meaningful.
This is Bill Murray's finest performance to date and he'll probably get an Oscar nomination. The movie is definitely not for everyone. It moves really slow, even in the "fast" scenes. Also, for a character driven film, there isn't much dialogue either. Instead, the characters are brought to life by what we see them do, which to be honest isn't much. However, what they actually do, is what many people actually do every day anyway. Here is a reality film that seems truly real. My only real complaint about the film was the unnecessary scene in the strip club; it doesn't add anything to the plot nor does it give the audience any deeper insight into the main characters. If it wasn't for that one scene, the movie probably would be PG-13 instead of R. Overall, this is a movie not for the typical movie-goer. It's not the usual independent type of film either. Instead, it's a breed of a different kind and if your in the mood for something different, this maybe for what you're looking.
Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant Film on Relationships That Defy Translation
Review: Though some might summarize this film as a study of the bond between two people in an unfamiliar land, it is more than that. This is about two people who get each other in a world that doesn't. After all, in a world where every male and female television leading character inevitably has sex with each other by the third season, this film is something new. What do you call a profoundly intimate relationship between a man and woman, where both are married to other people, and they never have sex with each other? Is it an affair? A friendship? A flirtation? It's something wonderfully more, and to label it any of these things is to lose something in the translation. That as much as anything else, might be the true meaning of the title. Bill Murray plays a self aware actor in decline and Johannson plays a brilliant young woman who is both confident and unsure. The performances are amazing and unflinching and the directing and writing are so incredible that Sofia Coppola truly lives up to her family's reputation as yet another masterful story teller.
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