Review of Lost in Translation (2003) by Mae T — 27 Jun 2015

*GREAT MOVIE*.

Just about everyone has their own definition of what love is, as everyone should. Sofia Coppola's brilliant 2003 film "Lost in Translation" shows a wonderfully beautiful romantic story unlike any other. It's not over-the-top, it's not about star-crossed lovers from rival families, it's not a tragedy, it's not an epic, it's not surrounded by characters who contribute to the troubles of the lovers; instead, it's genuine.

Perhaps looking at the film's cast will give you strange ideas if you have not yet seen the film. An odd pair: Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray. Their age gap is large, and it seems unrealistic that someone as beautiful as Johansson would end up with an aging Bill Murray. These thoughts should only exist in the minds of those who have not yet seen the film. I do not think this way after watching the events of the film.

I do not like plot summary in a review, as reviews should usually not need them; however, I feel it's necessary to explain some portions of the movie in this case, so I'll start by explaining what the film sets us up with from the start. We're introduced to two (obviously very lonely) souls from completely different walks of life. An aging married man, on a trip to Tokyo for a commercial. He used to act in the movies. Then we see a young married woman, trapped and scared (or "stuck", as she puts it) in an area of her life she rushed into, and did not yet mean to be.

These two are not lovers. These two are not part of a conventional romance like Rose and Jack, Romeo and Juliet, or Maria and Tony, and I'm glad they aren't, because in all honest, they make all of the preceding romances look childish. Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) never introduce themselves to each other, and this presents an aspect of the film that really stood out as genuine. They meet (or at least speak to each other for the first time) at a bar in the quiet, lonely hotel that is their prison. Their conversations flow naturally, and for both people, it is a wonderful excursion from the natural events that take place in their lives.

Keep in mind, neither Bob or Charlotte are in Tokyo for vacation. Charlotte is their for her husband's job, who happens to be gone a lot, leaving her behind with nothing but her thoughts. Bob, already alone, cannot sleep and struggles with his thoughts and his problems and stresses back home. What I loved most about their relationship is its effortless feeling of love and emotion. Watching a film like this, you really can feel their chemistry, watching Murray and Johansson is oddly satisfying, it's wonderful and almost too beautiful.

Now, this would not be the same movie (not that any movie would be) without Coppola's Oscar-winning original screenplay that brings these characters and their quiet love for each other to life. Their conversations are deep and meaningful. Charlotte is a newly married young woman, and Bob is an aging man who has experienced most of life as far as being married and being part of a family. This is a glimpse into Charlotte's future as well as a glimpse into Bob's longing for a past life. They're absolutely perfect for each other, and the casting choices definitely worked.

Spoiling endings in films is usually something I avoid, as should just about anyone talking about a movie. In this case, as "Lost in Translation" is a great movie, I need to explain another aspect that I have fallen in love with. The ending in "Lost in Translation" is the definition of bitter sweet. I found it difficult throughout this review to accurately describe the beauty of the two main characters in the film and their emotions toward each other, but trust me when I say it's definitely powerful and you WILL care about both of these characters.

When reality sets back in on Bob, he knows the time has come to return home to his family and wife. Charlotte knows she must return to her husband and regular life as well. There is no denying the impact that these two had on each other, which many romantic films struggle to find. Before departing, Bob manages to find Charlotte on the street. He hugs her close, and kisses her. It's not like a kiss you would see in "West Side Story" or "Titanic". It's not charged with physical passion. It is two people who fell in love with each other's emotions, simply saying goodbye, and understanding the bitterness that reality provides.

After hugging and kissing Charlotte, Bob whispers something into her ear that the audience is not meant to know. I loved this. We will never know what he said to her, and I'm not sure if I wanted to. Depending on how you felt about the movie, your hopes will vary, and I'm glad the movie was written this way. So what do you hope? Do you want them to meet again? Do you think this was the end? And that, while their relationship was necessary, it's time for a return to normalcy?

It's sweet and caring of the human spirit, as the film as a whole is.