I can't think of many films that I have seen in my lifetime that affected me as much as Lost in Translation did when I first saw it in cinemas way back when. I'm not sure exactly what aspect of the film it was that grabbed me, but Lost in Translation is a film with many beautiful qualities.
I also can't think of many films that have divided people so. If ever there was a Love/Hate film, it is this one. I remember the conversations clearly after seeing this film. "What did you make of it?", I would say. And each time I would either hear that the person had loved it, or despised it. I think it depends very much on what you look for in a film.
Lost in Translation isn't a quick fix film. It's not fast paced and it is not a typical Hollywood film. It is, however, a rewarding experience. Invest your time and attention in Lost in Translation and you will be rewarded. It broods along, and slowly a connection grows not only between the characters on screen, but also between the characters and the audience.
I've not seen many films with such a warm pair of protagonists. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson do magnificent jobs in creating believable, likable characters. Their bond on screen grows beautifully, and one unique thing about their relationship through the film is that it has no need to be gratuitious in any way. Rather than display emotion through physical or any obvious means, their friendship and eventual bond develops slowly, and we see a very different type of love in this love story. If you can relate to one of the characters, you will enjoy the film even more.
As I have mentioned, there are few characters in this film, meaning more time and story is concentrated on the leading pair. The two characters don't meet until a little way in to the film, and this is important as their bond is based on their individual attitudes towards their surroundings and the people around them. We see this during the introduction of the film, and when the two characters meet they share a lot in common, and realise this without needing to exchange many words at all.
Aside from the leading characters, we are treated to a fantastic soundtrack and beautiful scenery. Lost in Translation is set in Japan, and although predominantly set in the bustling city of Tokyo, we also see scenes set in Kyoto for example, which makes a delightful change and develops the mood for the subsequent scenes. The soundtrack is a treat. A couple of songs in particular trigger such beautiful memories of the film when heard after watching it, and I also recommend the Official Soundtrack to Lost in Translation.
Lost in Translation, as I have mentioned, is no regular movie. It takes time and a little attention to enjoy. I recommend to anyone who hasn't seen it to give it a go. It's a truly beautiful work, and deserves to be seen by everyone at least once.
Summary: A wonderful watch, which leaves an impression
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Comedy - Director: Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Carol Cleveland, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Production Year: 2004 - Comedy - Director: John Hay - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jimi Mistry, Kate Miles, Dougray Scott
Re-rated based on Ciao's insistence that such reviews are no longer considered "Off Topic"
Soho_Black 19.09.2008 15:13
A decent review of a superb film, although I see you've posted this as a DVD review, but you've not mentioned the DVD features. Are there any extras? If so, what are they and are they any good? If you add to this, or if you change it to be posted as a "Film Only" review, which can be done by accessing "edit review" above the review and changing the drop down menu under the "Which format are you reviewing?" question at the bottom, please let me know and I'll re-rate.
dtait07 30.08.2008 11:45
great review, love this film only saw it recently wish I had seen it sooner, i.e. at the cinema
Like a good dream, Sofia Coppola'sLost in Translationenvelopes you with an aura of ... more
fantastic light, moody sound, head-turning love, and a feeling ofdéjà vu, even though you've probably never been to this neon-fused version of Tokyo. Certainly Bob Harri...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Like a good dream, Sofia Coppola'sLost in Translationenvelopes you with an aura of ... more
fantastic light, moody sound, head-turning love, and a feeling ofdéjà vu, even though you've probably never been to this neon-fused version of Tokyo. Certainly Bob Harri...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Sofia Coppola's second feature-length film focuses on two guests at a Tokyo hotel--Bob ... more
(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)...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
From the director of The Virgin Suicides, Sofia Coppola, and shot entirely on location in ... more
Japan, Lost In Translation is a laugh-out-loud portrayal of loneliness and human connection. Featuring superior performances from Bill Murray and Scarlett Johanss...
Advantages: Bill Murray, Soffia Coppola, Scarlett Johansen, The Script, Tokyo, The Cinematography, Consumate Blend of Sublime Cinematic Metaphor and Performance with Expertly staged comedic set pieces. Disadvantages: None
Advantages: Beautifully shot, brilliant performances from both Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, great direction and script from Sofia Coppola. Disadvantages: None for me personally, but people who don’t like these types of films might find it slow and boring, some people have also complained there’s no story but I personally don’t think that’s a big deal.
Advantages: It fills in a couple of hours Disadvantages: It will be a couple of hours of complete boredom.
fallen_flame 20.04.2007 (05.08.2009)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Lost In Translation (DVD)
Advantages: Amazing fight scenes and stunts, no wires so everything you see is for real. Disadvantages: The plots aren't amazing but still watchable, not for people who don't like foreign films.
![Lost In Translation [DVD] [2004]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78520070.jpg "Lost In Translation [DVD] [2004]")
Aug 30th, 2008
very helpful by (85%):
helpful by (15%):
