Review of Lost in Translation (2003) by Appu A — 24 Nov 2012

What a small, understandably-missed little gem this movie is. It goes beyond a simple movie, and gives us a piece of modest artistry. The performances are perfect, including the wry, subdued Bill Murray and the saddened yet cheerfully girly Scarlett Johanson, It's a simple picture about two lonely married people, not only seemingly alone in their marriages, but alone and homesick in Tokyo.

Their bond could be love, or a deep friendship. You know, the friendships that immediately build in stressful situations to a point of need for each other. It is also the perfect place for its cinematography, which does not force us to woo it, but acts like that tour guide that doesn't mind if you decide to wander off.

Bill and Scarlett are so good in their roles, when they part ways, never to see each other again, you are reminded that you always have memories, and that goodbye is never really goodbye. The closing scene is wondrous, watching it slowly melt into the credits with a song that could not be anything else.

Small art is still art.