Lost in Translation

[BrooklynKnight]

Ok.. So i've seen the movie (most of it) on PPV.

It had GREAT reviews from just about everywhere.

But, i'm just lost in it.

I see that its a deep movie about coming to terms with age, and youth...but...what else?

Can someone walk me through this thing?

 

[JoeGKushner]

I saw it and 21 Grams and thought that the latter was much, much better than the former. It was like they were making up stuff to rave about. "Best Bill Murray Movie... Lost in Tranlsation. Best Bill Murray actor... Bill Murray." It definately went over my head what all the raving was about.

 

[Morrus]

My girlfriend and I went to see it because of the good reviews. We were bored stiff. Nothing happens.

Man, that was a couple of hours I want back.

 

[Hand of Evil]

I guess you have to be over 40 but you are right, the Man Who Knew Too Little was a better Bill Murray movie.

 

[PaulKemp]

Loved the movie

See, I loved this movie. Here are two people who each have made choices with their lives that have left them unhappy and unfullfilled. Different people in age, but similar in temperment. Then for a short, wonderful time, each finds both happiness and fulfillment with the other. Neither can ultimately turn their backs on their lives and choices, but they do have this *one* week.

It's a quiet movie, I concede, but I thought it powerfully poignant. The scene where they are sharing a bed but consciously not touching (though both no doubt would like it to be otherwise), until finally Bill Murray's character reaches over to touch Scarlett's *heel* -- I thought it masterfully done.

But that's just me.

 

[Sirius_Black]

Man, that was a couple of hours I want back.

Amen, one of the most overrated films I've seen in a long time.

 

[Mallus]

I loved it...

But it just isn't for everyone, in the same way slapstick isn't for everyone, or screwball comedies, or Stars Wars, or Goddard...

I think what the film does, it does exceptionally well [describe a brief relationship between sad people, one at the beginning of their adult lives, another nearing the end, set against a backdrop of fantastic alienation that they make no attempt to understand].

My question to those who think its overrated is "Do you like movies like this in the first place? [Plotless, tone-driven, etc.]." Films like Local Hero, Harold and Maude, ummm, maybe a Wes Anderson flick...

 

[RangerWickett]

People have different tastes. This movie was very subdued, like trying to get back to feeling normal after jet lag. It certainly helps that the movie's in Japan, which is inherently one of the funniest locations in the world.

It's not intense. It's subtle, and at times you're as uncomfortable as the characters are. But there are moments of pure joy and simple fun. It's a movie about real life, made exotic by its setting.

I personally loved it.

 

[diaglo]

been there. done that. well not exactly.

Spoiler

i didn't sleep with the lounge singer

but these are two people that would otherwise never have anything to do with each other. they are thrown together b/c both are trying to find some meaning as to why they are there. so they share the experience... truthfully, the artsiness of the movie lost me. the opening scene made no sense.

 

[Mallus]

truthfully, the artsiness of the movie lost me. the opening scene made no sense.

What about it did you find 'artsy'? Other than the lack of plot, I mean?

And what was the opening scene? All I can recall is Scarlett Johanson in see-throught panties reclined on a bed... how can that not make sense??!