Great Film: Lost in Translation
A great film, but the rating was lost in translation
It's very interesting to see all of the ratings that Lost In
Translation received in different countries. In Canada it is only PG,
while in America it's rated R! And really, the only explanation for
this is a brief scene at a strip joint that shows some nudity. I really
look down on that R rating because Lost In Translation is a
good-hearted film that should be enjoyed by all ages. Notice how during
the 2003 Oscar season two films played the "only one special effect:
the effect on the audience" card; one being this film and the other
being Mystic River. Both are great films, both are rated R in the U.S.,
but only one of them can carry along its story without brutal murders.
So what can I say about Lost In Translation that hasn't been said a
million times already? It's all true. It's subtle, down-to-earth, and
allows the audience to observe and relate to the characters, Bob and
Charlotte. Both of them have a life crisis to deal with, and I guess if
you're thousands and thousands of miles away from your problems it
makes it easier to take an objective look at them, even if they do
follow you. Bob and Charlotte confide in each other and develop a
relationship. That's what it's all about, and every scene is precious.
It's a real and true to life kind of film. We never hear the lines:
"Oh, Charlotte, I'm so glad I went to Japan. You've changed my life in
such a profound way and you'll always be in my heart." That's because
that just isn't the way it goes in real life. The feeling is there, the
characters know it, the audience knows it, so it has to be left at
that.
So, yeah, I love this movie. It's clearly the highlight of Bill
Murray's career and marks the perfect first real stand-out in Scarlett
Johanson's. It's so rare to see a movie that only has an interest in
its characters (and only two of them, at that!) and makes them so
charming, lovable, and familiar. This is a great example of
non-Hollywood Hollywood films: the well-known actors and producers
going to the roots of independent film-making. In an age where half the
movies out there are packed with CGI, this is refreshing to see.
My rating: 10/10
Cast
- John played by Giovanni Ribisi
- Bob Harris played by Bill Murray
- Charlotte played by Scarlett Johansson
- Ms. Kawasaki played by Akiko Takeshita
- Press Agent played by Take
- Concierge played by Ryuichiro Baba
- Bellboy played by Akira Yamaguchi
