Lost In Translation on DVD (2003)

Lost On Some, But Not Me

David Levy from Totteridge, London , 04/03/2004

Lost In Translation could be a film easily lost on many. With its slow pace, lack of any clear storyline and no particular 'action' per se, it may not appeal to everybody.

However, if you are a fan of film in any way, shape or form, I implore you to see this movie. The acting here is sublime, with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson just outstanding in their respective roles.

Lost In Translation is not only one of my favourite movies of the year, but also one of my favourites of all time. Its touching, funny, and just the right side of pretentious to be called a 'thinking man's classic'

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Clever Insight Into The Westerner Abroad

A customer from Widnes, England , 29/01/2005

There are those who would criticise this film for it's lack of action and the critical acclaim it has received and there is probably some credence to their argument. The film does have very little action and, although billed as a comedy, those looking for slapstick would do better to dig out a Farelly bros flick. What the film offers is an acute insight into the mindset of the tourist, the 1st thing we do when travelling abroad is hunt out others from our country/culture and form a kind of exaggerated kinship, a relationship that simply wouldn't exist if you met in normal circumstances. The film explores this eccentricity as its core theme whilst also depicting two very dissatisfied individuals each going through a life-crisis. The other major theme is of the two embarking on a platonic relationship that they both know can go no further but both wish it could. The emotional content of the film is subtly implied and is part of the overall charm of the story. Bill Murray only improves with age and there are some genuinely heart-rending moments that are comedic in equal measure. The movie is filmed in an almost voyeuristic fashion and, as such, a large part of the action is to be enjoyed through the interaction of the characters. This is a touching and intimate film and more than deserves the praise it has received - it's just a question of being in the right frame of mind when you sit down to watch.

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Greatness achieved on a small budget

Alfod from Walsall , 14/07/2004

In the 'Conversation with..' extra on the DVD Bill Murray acknowledges this as the best film he's ever been in. An ideal showcase for both his comic and dramatic abilities (his is an everyman persona that begs for your compassion whatever situation he's in) Sofia Coppola got the man she wanted for the job when Murray agreed to take the role of Bob Harris (a name familiar in the UK to those who remember The Old Grey Whistle Test!).

Harris' film career is ostensibly behind him and to keep the wolf from the door he agrees to travel to Tokyo to record commercials for a Japanese whiskey (a well-trodden route for today's A-listers - the commercials not the whisky). At the same hotel a fellow American Charlotte (Johannson) has recently graduated and has travelled to accompany her photographer husband John (Giovanni Ribisi), except John's perpetually on a photo shoot and they spend precious little time together.

Bob and Charlotte, both suffering from insomnia and going through individual life crises find themselves drawn towards one another. Coppola got a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for the sparky script and much has been made of who the roles were based on; Bob Harris = Murray himself; Charlotte = Sofia; John = Spike Jonze; Kelly = Cameron Diaz. Greatness achieved on a small budget and filmed under demanding circumstances, this is a near-perfect film experience. Murray and Johansson were awarded the BAFTAs they deserved.

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WORST MOST BORING FILM IN THE WORLD

A Bored Tudor from Kent , 14/08/2004

What can i say, nothing happens! I don't even know how long this tale of a midlife crisis, and a doormat actually is, all I can tell you is that it will seem like a lifetime, during which you wish for eternal sleep just to end the suffering! I have never left a film half watched, but by God I wish I had with this one, but I just kept hoping that the point of the film would rear its ugly head, but NO, just constant drivel, SAVE YOURSELF DON'T WATCH THIS boring assult of your senses, just go out and do something less boring instead!

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RUBBISH

A customer from Tiverton , 19/08/2008

This film was so completely boring! It didn't seem to have a storyline at all, what was it all about?!

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Lost in Translation

A customer from Cambridge , 30/08/2008

This is one of the most poignant films I have seen in a long time. Beautifully paced and wonderfully acted by the two leads, it was a delightful surprise.

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