Lost in Translation

Plot

Bob Harris is a well-known American actor, currently in Tokyo promoting a famous whiskey for them, but hating every minute of it. In his mid to late 50s, he would rather be on stage in the theatre than doing this.

Charlotte, is a recently married woman in her early 20s, and also in Japan with her photographer husband John. Both Charlotte and Bob are miserable in the city where no one understands them – both figuratively and literally.

Cast/Characters

Bill Murray absolutely shines in the role of Bob, and he brings a maturity to the role that was written especially for him. He gives a nuanced performance of slight comedic, but mostly mature – of a man who is at crossroads of his life.

Scarlett Johanssen as Charlotte is adorable – and she plays the lonely young woman well. She was perhaps a little underused, and the film seemed to favour Murray’s Bob.

The pairing is done well, and while there is no confirmed love between them, they have some touching moments of fondness which adds to the intimacy – without needing to add love scenes.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

Sophia Coppola, who also directed won an Oscar for her screenplay, and it was a deserving win.

There was an interesting way the bi language was used on screen. As both Bob and Charlotte are subject to the locals speaking their native language to them, and their returning English to the locals, this is something that brought back some memories of me doing this very thing when I was in Japan.

The setting, which is all filmed is Japan is breathtaking – and makes me miss my time there. You really can’t describe it unless you have been; you can literally be in complete dense city, with towering buildings, and walk across the street into either flawless gardens or temples.

Score/Soundtrack

There is a fun alternative soundtrack, as well as a lovely score in some of the non-dialogue scenes.

Overall

A lovely little film about love in strange places. It made me miss my time in Japan, and hopeful to get back there in the next couple of years. Murray does brilliantly in this type of film, and it gave me Rushmore vibes. While I probably won’t watch it again, I recommend it.

3.5/5