Review of Lost in Translation (2003) by Chris B — 05 Jan 2016

Will everyone like Lost In Translation, absolutely not! Modern audiences are being reared to expect action and violence and explosions, big expensive explosions and story and character development is often laid aside to keep audiences glued to the screen. This is a huge problem in Hollywood and while there have been many films that are action packed that are also compelling in other ways, many simply focus solely on this action to carry the film. Fast paced, violent, and action packed could describe the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but you have interesting characters and a well written saga that has great depth and scope to give purpose to the proceedings.

Lost In Translation on the other hand, delves solely into character development and dialogue as well as silence. This silence is crucial to the film as a whole because it really makes you dwell on the characters and their feelings, their relationships are vital. The film is written smartly and gives the actors involved, especially Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, room to give captivating performances. This is a drama film that is truly a pleasure to watch, and is filled with a complexity of emotions and relationships that all manage to stay true to the human spirit on display here. The setting is Tokyo, Japan and it is here the two primary characters explore and evolve in their relationship with one another as friends. The film description would imply an affair between the two characters with one another, each married with a troubled marriage. Yet, this never happens on screen or even is implied off screen. Instead, we are simply observers of two very different characters in different parts of life, enjoying a trip with each other instead of being alone.

Sofia Coppola follows up her directing debut, The Virgin Suicides, with what could very well be her masterpiece with this amazing film! She proves she isn't just the daughter of the legendary Francis Ford Coppola and really proves herself here as both the writer and director of the film. If you can get past the lack of big budget blockbuster films and take the time to sit down and let the film simply wash over you, you will be greatly rewarded for doing so!