Lost in Translation (2003)
Sexual references, medium level coarse language
| Director: | Sofia Coppola |
| Actors: | Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, François Du Bois, Ryuichiro Baba, Catherine Lambert, Take, Akira Yamaguchi, Akiko Takeshita, Kazuyoshi Minamimagoe, Kazuko Shibata |
Sofia Coppola's second feature-length film focuses on two guests at a Tokyo hotel - Bob (Bill Murray), a middle-aged actor in town to film whiskey commercials, and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), the young wife of a trendy photographer (Giovanni Ribisi) who is always out on a shoot. When Bob isn't on the job taking fragmented direction from the Japanese crew, he's receiving faxes on home decorating from his emotionally distant wife. And while her husband is away, Charlotte spends most of her time trying to motivate herself to do more than look out the window at Tokyo's urban sprawl. So when the two meet in the hotel bar, they strike up an unusual friendship, one that provides a welcome escape from their boredom and loneliness.
With Lost in Translation, Coppola cements her reputation as a thoughtful and inventive filmmaker. Every element of the movie is pitch-perfect, from the dreamy, atmospheric score to the expertly timed editing to the lingering shots of the characters and the city. Most importantly, Coppola's minimalist script allows Murray and Johansson to give astonishingly moving yet subtle performances as people who are lost in the limbo of a foreign country, but find each other for comfort and companionship. Both heartbreakingly sad and hilariously funny, Coppola's Lost in Translation is that rare movie in which everything is in its right place.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 97mins |
| Origin: | JAPAN |
| Aspect Ratio: | 1.85:1 16:9 Enhanced |
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Member Reviews (159)
159 Member
Reviews
Delmo
says
This must not have enough explosions in it for some people or something. Beautifully shot, brilliantly acted, and loved the use of music in this. Yeah it's subtle and slow paced, it's supposed to be, but if you go with it and don't expect (or want) hollywood gimmicks, you will be moved. I for one plan to drive around Tokyo in the back of a taxi with My Bloody Valentine blaring in my headphones.
Jaf
says
Not quite sure what all the fuss is for this movie. Found it to be a bit slow and boring
Peter
says
A really intelligent, light, film about a man discovering his better nature in a mad world.
says
One of my favourite movies. Well crafted, subtle, atmospheric. Bill Murray's trademark hangdog look gets a workout, but this time it's not for pure comedy - there's a tragedy/comedy thing goin on here.
I don't understand all the complaints about it going nowhere - geez, it's about 2 people who *are* lost literally and figuratively!
W Wells
says
I'm not sure how long this movie is but the enjoyable parts probably add up to less than 10 minutes. It is excrutiatingly boring and I hope Bill and Scarlett were paid well to compensate them for the dead weight this film will add to their careers.
PS. If there were half-Star ratings, I would have rated this movie 0.5 less and that's being kind.
cherry_bobby
says
Enjoyed this movie set in Tokyo. Nice story thoguh nothing too deep and meaningful.
Josh
says
Sofia Coppola may not be able to act, but she sure can direct. I love all the perspectives portrayed in the movie. The setting comes off as both alienating and welcoming at times (both are which are complemented by the film's deliberate slow pace) and the two leads played by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson have wonderful chemistry. You really do establish a connection with these characters. Could Sofia have inherited her directorial talent from her father, Francis? or was it just coincidence? Either way, this is a wonderful drama that stands out from most others.
R
says
Realised I'd seen it before. Didn't feel need to see it again.
Trish
says
Another very boring movie, would not bother
linda.dwywer21@optusnet.com.au
says
One of the worst movies I have ever seen. Slow and boring
Paula
says
This is one of my favourite movies of all time. I love Sofia Coppola's movies. Love them! But they're not for everybody. Some people are left saying "What the?....". It is beautiful, mysterious, funny and Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are awesome in it. I agree with Tilda's (reviewer) comment that the film "has a kind of dreamlike feel to it that lasts a few hours after you switch it off." I found this is true with Sofia's movies and once that mood wears off I have to get another hit and usually end up watching the movie again! If you loved this, watch Somewhere.
Aeris
says
Was an okay movie - a little slow and didn't have that much of japanese culture or scenery. not much of a plot to speak of, and it just ended. could have been better!
James
says
Some people will get it, some won't. Personnally, probably the best film of the decade in my opinion. Anyone who has travelled through Japan will see the genius of this one
Marjorie
says
Fairly light but enjoyable. Enjoyed all the Japanese stuff
Peter
says
Boring - did not finish watching it
Alex H.
says
Two lonely people seem to be lost in Tokyo, full of light, cars and people. And yet they cannot form a relation ship. Great acting.
Motherof3
says
Totally Boring. We were halfway through the movie and still did not get it. The female character is supposed to be an intelligent woman, yet she is totally bored in a fascinating city. Instead of sitting looking dejected, I would expect an intelligent woman to have a BOOK with her to read!!!
Maarie R.
says
I really enjoyed this movie. Loved the Japanese feel and the humour of it - the scene with the "escort" was hilarious. Have done a lot of business travel myself and this film perfectly captured the half-world of 5-star hotels. Haven't seen Scarlett Johansen before but she did a great job, as did Bill Murray who has the most speaking face.
Vonnie
says
I can see why this one is called, by some, a "sleeper". It just about put me to sleep! I was totally and utterly disappointed. It has a great cast, but the storyline was simply too boring for me to enjoy any of their performances. Bill Murray's character was a little bit humorous at times, but those moments were too few and far between. I kept waiting for something to happen. Alas, nothing did happen. For the life of me, I can't understand why this movie received any nominations whatsoever.
stimpy
says
Ah, what exactly was lost in translation?
Intellectual... are you kidding me! If anything this film is a comedy that had some great laughs... the exercise bike in the gym totally cracked me up!
Gillian E.
says
Good cast for a movie that reflects the feeling of being in a foreign city. Gentle entertainment.
John N.
says
Movie star, Bob Harris, arrives in Japan to do a whisky commercial. He meets up with young, bored female, Charlotte, temporarily abandoned by photographer husband who's off on a shoot. Both are trapped in a plush hotel not knowing the language, and engage in a succession of excruciatingly boring conversations, in a bar, in a restaurant, in a hotel room. The itinerary also includes a visit to a nightclub, a karaoke bar, a sleazy strip-club and, when they come up for air, other Tokyo tourist attractions. Great travelogue but where's the story? A wooden performance from Bill Murray with all the running done by the wonderful Scarlett Johansson.
Derek V.
says
Its a bit arty and quirky but I loved it. Great cast and well played, some say its has no real message or proper plot but I think it is very interesting and subtle and the strange relationship between the two main characters is great to watch.
Willemina G.
says
Enjoyable but not for the teens
Phillip S.
says
The movie was great but a little slow moving - maybe this is a characteristic of Bill Murray movies? Nonetheless a great performance by him and the other actors.
Sue K.
says
Your either a fan of sofia or not and I happen to love her movies.I do rate marie antoinette higher than translation but its a look at life..if you were on the other side of the world and lonely you would befriend someone to and thats what this movies is..dont try to read too much into it like most people who watch it .its just a story of strangers
Sangita P.
says
Richard A.
says
Ann-Mason F.
says
The acting was good. The film was pleasant enough. If you are looking for a film about how disconnected people are from each other, I suppose that this one will do it for you, but - there are probably other ways to fill your time that will be more fun or more productive.
Tilda H.
says
Wonderful film, really makes you want to move to Tokyo. It has a kind of dreamlike feel to it that lasts a few hours after you switch it off. Bill Murray is wonderful, as usual and Scarlett is gorgeous and convincing.
My only problem with this film, which stopped me from giving it the full 5 stars is the implied sexual tension towards the end. It wasn't too full on, but I think it would have been better to keep it all strickly platonic rather than insinuate an attraction that is unrealistic. But a great film.
Maria C.
says
A great movie.
Stephen R.
says
Linda R.
says
Kendal F.
says
A different Holywood film- non formula. Interesting linkages when age, (Bill M) and youth (Scarlet J) enter a strange relationship, not quite sexual, not quite paternal as they try to find solace from life in each others company. The goodbye kiss just did not work for me- what did she see in him!!
Sarah R.
says
a lovely tale about friendship when you need it the most.
Melissa T.
says
A great subtle and quiet story of restrained passion, we can all relate to in some way! One too many shots of Scarletts' bum but I guess that sells. Enjoyed it a lot and the final scene that doesn't allow you to hear what he whispers to her had me on the edge of my seat yelling for more! The music is haunting too.
Margot R.
says
Not brilliant but well acted & enjoyable Tokyo setting.
Kirstine D.
says
Troy M.
says
Brilliant sleepy movie
Michael C.
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N T.
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Julie B.
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Le B.
says
one of the better movies i have ever seen
Jemima F.
says
AL
says
This is one of my favourite films. I lived in Tokyo for a while and this movie manages to capture the city. Bill gives THE best performance of his career. Subtle and beautiful.
Janine B.
says
Normally a lover of Bill Murray movies I found this to be one of the most boring slowest movies I have seen in a while. I fell asleep the first time and had to force myself to stay awake the 2nd time. Disappointing!
May L.
says
This is the type of film that provokes thought, so if you're looking for a mindless afternoon in - this film isn't what you're after.
Gabrielle D.
says
This movie was very slow moving and seemed to take forever. I didn't even finish watching it.
Joy
says
We found this movie to be totally boring...slow moving..... no real story line & with 1 of the main actors with no personality.
Lachlan D.
says
Peter S.
says
Gentle, laid back humour from Bill Murray, well supported by Johanssen, accurately representing the alienation caused by high-level international mobility.
Cathy A.
says
Teresa R.
says
Wayne
says
Tom W.
says
good plot
Joanna M. K.
says
Charming and romantic move without cheep setimentality.
Clare B.
says
different and interesting
apple.curry
says
VERY boring didn't actually watch the end of it..
Bev M.
says
Bruce R.
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Pierre
says
Morally good.
Direction poor and I found it most confusing,perhaps because of my age!!
Margaret B.
says
Nola S.
says
I have visited Japan twice and this film captured for me, via the main characters, the alienation of a Westerner in this culture.
Sarah-Jane B.
says
A little long, and certainly not to everyone's taste, yet I enjoyed it and Bill Murray's acting was classic.
lucetius
says
Strangely overrated film. I think as time passes the thinness of its plot will become more clear. The first part of the film is nothing more than a tired joke about how strange Japan is. Murray's character is unlikeable and even the lovely Scarlett's presence doesn't save this nonsense.
Megan S.
says
Christina F.
says
Oliver F.
says
Very well acted and even though not much happens, it's a film that keeps you wondering about it for days. For intellectuals only. (if you don't know what it means, forget it...!)
David Stephensen
says
One of my 'warm bath' movies. I could see all or any part of it any number of times. I guess it reminds me of times that I have really hit it off with someone in a platonic way and had a really good time.
Chris P.
says
morrissy
says
This film is self-serving, indulgent hogwash masquerading as a nouveau love story. Two people form a relationship while at a crossroads in their lives, finding solace with each other in a foreign culture. So what were they expecting when they visited Japan? The depiction of Japanese culture is simplistic and insulting, with Murray's character at times exasperated that Japanese people do not speak English to his standard. Well their English is a lot better than his Japanese - this film is a grating example of the 'bad tourist'.
Christopher Jones
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Glad Bennetts
says
AJC
says
Maria Mckernan
says
Terrible movie. Slow, boring with nothing worthwhile happening and a nothing ending.
Martin
says
Evidently from the other reviews you either love it or hate it. We were blown away by this little film, really enjoyed it. Perhaps the best thing I saw last year. Bill Murray was fantastic. Very understated, but beautifully evocative. Will see it again.
Emily Blazejczak
says
Mussy
says
Ryan
says
Dont waste 1.5 hrs of your life...
Max
says
A little slow for my liking. And quite stereotypical in its view of Japan
Helene Carozzi
says
Interesting treatment of total alienation and isolation, but very slow. Also a blatant advertising by Santori and the tobacco industry.
Nigel Rose
says
Fiona Lakta
says
Somewhat compelling - a gentle glance at the culture shock encountered by Westerners in Tokyo.
Paz Alfonso
says
I was disappointed in this film. I found it slow, and did not enjoy the humour. I never connected with the characters.
Tom Teh
says
Cowgirl
says
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this film. Well crafted and offering some pretty good acting. Bitter sweet story that makes sense of how the sum of the parts is greater than the sum of the whole. Don't watch it if you're a philistine.
Dimitrios Trajchevski
says
A movie going somewhere but never gets there....
Peter Lanzetti
says
Great performances from the 2 leading actors
Chris
says
This is an interesting film, in that you get to see a good selection of another culture. In particular it's easy to relate to the character's feelings of helplessness, not speaking the language. Bill is of course, very funny and there are some lovely moments in the film. This is slow and could be boring for many.
Martin Yates
says
Kathryn Ivey
says
Couldn't really become involved
Robin Dadswell
says
Bob Jones
says
Waste of time-there is no story or plot. I had more fun staring out side the window.
Bob Jones
says
Very slow movie about nothing with out any plot or story. Dont bother unless you are on drugs!
Paul Walker
says
Chris Xenakis
says
Angela Brischetto
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Chris Xenakis
says
Chris Xenakis
says
Susan Muller
says
Xenia Girdler
says
A beautifully crafted, contemplative movie with a stella performance from Bill Murray. Easilly one of his best.
Andre Wilson
says
Robert Gorey
says
B 0 R I N G but for the accurate portrayal of Japanese characters in Tokyo. Having lived there for quite a while I could relate to the Japanese characters but not the two western leads.
Anna Roe
says
Beautifully made but far too slow.
Maria Reyes
says
Anne Reynolds
says
Kevin Mcallison
says
A very different movie.
Some good laughs in a story that shows you can breach the generation gap.
Ben Murray
says
says
Good stuff.
Sue Schneider
says
Pointless movie. Good if you can't sleep. It will help.
Lesley Curtis
says
An excellent movie. Bill Murray is wonderful in this role. Highly recommend.
Patricia Adams
says
Failed to be attention-getting. Disappointing.
Greg O'Brien
says
OK - if you want high action, adventure or stunning twists give this one a miss. However if you enjoy a more subtle movie, with an undercurrent of humor and sexual tension then this is for you. Bill Murry is perfectly cast and really good in the role. Scarlett Johannsen is equally good and really portrays well what it must be like to be abandoned in a city like Tokyo. Very enjoyable film overall.
Linda Sherlock
says
A great 'postcard' of Tokyo.You will never want to go there after seeing this movie.The storyline was disappointingly thin and slow.Well acted and well produced though.
Jackie Simpson
says
Loved this gentle movie. Bill Murray was excellent with understated humour that lifts the movie. This is not a movie if you want action and though not your usual romance it is quite sweet and full of characters with integrity. Bill Murray thinks it is his best movie yet - see the extras on the DVD.
Kylie Bourne
says
Craig Spalding
says
Sandra
says
Gentle love story, quite enjoyable.
Cynthia Palmer
says
Jennifer Wilson
says
Jozef Szot
says
Chris Moulay
says
Chee Tai
says
Craig Hill
says
This film never got out of first gear , kept waiting for something to happen but it never did.Great images and insight into Japan though.
Chee Tai
says
Paul Smith
says
Jeanette Brown
says
Anne Couchman
says
The 'feel' of Japan was there, but the film was about 2 people who were too self involved and shouldnt travel to foreign lands!!!
Phillip Haslem
says
Lee Tanabe
says
I was a little disappointed with this movie as I had other expectations. Certainly both characters were "lost" but the Japanese languagejokes were not quite as amusing as I has hoped. Being a fluent speaker of Japanese I can see both sides but the Lost in Translation theme applied more to the characters and their lack of understanding and interest in a foreign country than to the communication issues.
El
says
Amy Huynh
says
Very funny and touching.
Jennifer Gibson
says
Very slow and dull. Disappointed.
Kenneth Lau
says
This was a terrible movie.
Ron
says
Not as good as the expectations from the high rating or preview, much of the movie was on each of the stars being alone for lenghty periods in a hotel room - while it was well done, it is hard to remain interested in that confinement. Very little had background scenes of Tokyo or Japan.
Tiina Lemmik
says
Robert Tilt
says
Ros
says
Delightfully light and deft, this movie depicts beautifully the feeling of alienation felt in a large city, in a strange place, when you are even a stranger to your spouse and family. The connection between the two protagonists is un-cliched and delightful. Loved it!
Steven Cinquegrana
says
Very over-rated, I think. Ms Coppola films her own personal Japanese postcard - because she can - and in the process serves up a bunch of verging-on-offensive cultural cliches. Have a look at Matt Dillon's superior 'City Of Ghosts' for a lesson in cultural immersion and story.
Craig Olsen
says
William Campbell
says
Well named a boring bit of garbage
William Campbell
says
Moronic waste of time
Maurice
says
The story of two bored people in Tokyo. Quite frankly, so was I.
Janet Melkonian
says
Terri Fealy
says
Very boring - not sure what it was all for. Maybe it would be good if you're on happy pills.
Matt Moran
says
Marg
says
I really enjoyed this movie - sure, nothing much actually *happened* but the themes of loneliness and isolation were beautifully evoked through the "strangers in a strange city" idea. Bill Murray was great in his role, beautifully understated. In fact the whole movie showed great restraint in exploring its ideas - no action, little sex - but through strong empathetic characters managed to engage the viewer.
Natalie Burton
says
RDD
says
THIS IS A STRUNG OUT KIND OF MOVIE THAT IS GOING NOWHERE AND TAKES ALONG GETTING THERE!
TC
says
One of the worst movies I have ever seen. I kept waiting for something to happen.... but it never did.
Henry Johnson
says
Steve Mcquillan
says
Mark Wigglesworth
says
mja
says
The first half hour was boring and it got worse from there on. The main problem with this movie is that nothing happens and if it is supposed to be a comedy ............well I must have blinked and missed the funny scenes. Dont know how it got nominated for any oscars.
Sarah Colombera
says
Mat
says
DH
says
Miranda Montgomery
says
Great movie!
Excellent cast
Brilliant cinematography
Deborah Plowman
says
Totally absorbing and charming. Their relationship felt so real - the script is very true to life and some may feel it's therefore slow and 'nothing happens' but we loved it. The cinematography is beautiful and it feels quite surreal - a bit like how you feel when you go to a culturally very diffent country. Fabulous.