Lost in Translation

[rebness]

Got around to seeing this over the weekend, mainly because American Splendour wasn't on anywhere in Manchester. Gah.

The Guardian critic, who likes about three films a year, had given it five stars, and I could see why.

The story follows two people-- one a jaded actor, one the young graduate recently married-- both feeling lost and lonely in Tokyo. The city is used to great effect, seeming surreal and remote at first, but then offering up a wealth of experience and fun when they start to explore it together.

Nothing as obvious as a romance happens-- instead, a glimpse is offered into that sublime moment that seems to happen most when travelling; the meeting of two kindred souls.

I won't go to into what happens, but the film was fun and sad and beautifully-observed, without ever spilling over into the contemptible schmaltz of supposedly touching and funny films like My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

But that's a rant for another post. ;)

Comments

[kyuuketsukirui.livejournal.com]

I liked it quite a lot, especially that they didn't sleep together, run off together, what have you. It's coming out on DVD here today and I'll probably end up buying it.

Re:

[rebness.livejournal.com]

Hmm... my player can take Region 1 DVDs. Am sorely tempted.

I agree on the romance thing. It probably would have taken away from the... the purity of the relationship. I'm struggling for words here, but I think you know what I mean.

Also, Bill Murray was disturbingly charismatic and...er...fanciable in it. :|

Scarlet Johannssen is too pretty.

[kyuuketsukirui.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Bruce said he was watching it just dreading that they'd end up sleeping together and was so relieved when they didn't. It's like...their experience was about so many other things and not everything has to be about sex.

I also really loved how they managed to get across the alienness of Japan without resorting to parody as so many times films/shows do.

Re:

[rebness.livejournal.com]

It's like...their experience was about so many other things and not everything has to be about sex.

Precisely. I haven't seen such a quiet and intelligent movie for ages.

Japan came across as so unique and amazing-- I so have to go there, one day. The soundtrack was brilliant, too...really evocative. Am dying to get hold of it.

[earthlydelight.livejournal.com]

This bed is alive with passion and love...

Re:

[rebness.livejournal.com]

...Moved out of the house, so you moved next door
I locked you out, you cut a hole in the wall
I found you sleeping next to me, I thought I was alone
You're driving me crazy, when are you coming home


That song? Rules.

Re:

[earthlydelight.livejournal.com]

Preeeeeeeeeeeettttttttttttttttyyyyyyyy

[tsaress.livejournal.com]

Well you know I have to disgreee with you but then I think I was thinking it was going to be a totally different sort of film.

[josh1975.livejournal.com]

I plan on checking this out as soon as it comes out on DVD. I have heard amazing things about the movie, and I can't wait to see it!

cheesy peeeeeeeeeeas

[jaffacakequeen.livejournal.com]

i think it was a good film, but i wouldnt compare it to My Big Fat Greek Wedding! LMAO thats a bit unfair! Greek Wedding is cheesy - too cheesy at times but, fun.. Cant say it was trying to be touching, funny yes but not touching...

sorry, i had to stick up for cheesy-peas! especially squeezy, cheesy, peas! i am sucker at the moment for bad taste cheese! "blush"

is there too many commas in this?