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Lost in Translation | 
 enlarge | Director: Sofia Coppola
Actors: Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Akiko Takeshita, Kazuyoshi Minamimagoe, Kazuko Shibata
Studio: Universal Studios
Category: DVD
List Price: $12.98
Buy Used: $0.76
You Save: $12.22 (94%)
New (80) Used (139) Collectible (2) from $0.76
Avg. Customer Rating:  1798 reviews
Sales Rank: 3025
Format: Ac-3, Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, Dts Surround Sound, Dubbed, Dvd-video, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), French (Original Language), French (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), French (Dubbed)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 102
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: D23957D
ISBN: 0783297807
UPC: 766481298137
EAN: 9780783297804
ASIN: B00005JMJ4
Theatrical Release Date: October 3, 2003
Release Date: February 3, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: **NO ARTWORK - NEW BLANK CASE** Guaranteed to play. Normal case wear with stickers, very slight scratches. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
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Amazon.com
Like a good dream, Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation envelops you with an aura of fantastic light, moody sound, head-turning love, and a feeling of déjà vu, even though you've probably never been to this neon-fused version of Tokyo. Certainly Bob Harris has not. The 50-ish actor has signed on for big money shooting whiskey ads instead of doing something good for his career or his long-distance family. Jetlagged, helplessly lost with his Japanese-speaking director, and out of sync with the metropolis, Harris (Bill Murray, never better) befriends the married but lovelorn 25-year-old Charlotte (played with heaps of poise by 18-year-old Scarlett Johansson). Even before her photographer husband all but abandons her, she is adrift like Harris but in a total entrapment of youth. How Charlotte and Bill discover they are soul mates will be cherished for years to come. Written and directed by Coppola (The Virgin Suicides), the film is far more atmospheric than plot-driven: we whiz through Tokyo parties, karaoke bars, and odd nightlife, always ending up in the impossibly posh hotel where the two are staying. The wisps of bittersweet loneliness of Bill and Charlotte are handled smartly and romantically, but unlike modern studio films, this isn't a May-November fling film. Surely and steadily, the film ends on a much-talked-about grace note, which may burn some, yet awards film lovers who "always had Paris" with another cinematic destination of the heart. --Doug Thomas
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1793 more reviews...
 Being alone in a world with no space July 9, 2008
This film is a masterpiece. I will not pretend to analyze its deeper meanings, but if you've ever felt alone in a crowded room full of people you don't understand, you'll get it. The soundtrack works flawlessly with the beautiful and sometimes haunting images that float through this film's landscape. If you were a fan of truly alternative, clever music in the early eighties, then you will adore this lush soundscape. To me, this film hits closer to the heart of people searching for meaning in a sometimes meaningless situation far more effectively than "American Beauty" attempted to or could have. Have a glass or two of your favorite red, turn out the lights, and let this epic of jejune avoidance carry you away.
One of My Favorite Movies of All Time! July 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I guess this is one of those "love it or hate it" movies, so all I
can do is tell you why I love it so much. First, filming the
movie in Japan was not only a way to capture the two main
characters out of their element (which was the brilliant, central
point of the film), but it took ME out of MY element, which was
refreshing. I loved the nightlife, the colorful characters, the
strange looking food, the cherry blossoms in the gardens...
the setting for the film was magnificent.
As for the two main leads, the acting is superb. Bill Murray
takes a huge leap playing an aging, burned out actor with marital
woes and hits the mark, dead on. Scarlett Johansson approaches
the youthful object of his affection with understated sweetness
and grace. Neither actor overplays or underplays their part, which
is rare in film. Both are spot on.
And for the story. How refreshing to explore the complexity of
male/female bonding without resorting to raunchy sex scenes
and offensive language. Maybe the reason why so many
viewers are disappointed in this film is because of its quiet,
thoughtful, deeply tender approach to the subject matter. There's
no fast cars or nudity in this film; just the story of two lost souls
completely out of their element who find each other and reawaken
in each other something both of them thought they had lost.
At the end of the movie, as the Jesus and Mary Chain song plays and
the two part ways, I always get teary-eyed. If someone can tell me
what the two whisper to each other, I'd really like to know. But then
again, maybe that would be giving too much away in this brilliant gem
of a film. Highly recommended for those in search of a lighthearted
and tender romance that doesn't follow traditional rules of "love"
constructions in cinema. Brava Sophia!
A tender if not always successful film June 1, 2008
It is fascinating the love/hate opinion most have for this movie. It garners either five stars or one star and yet I find myself somewhere in the middle. Director Sophia Coppola breezes us through Japan, be it to witness the traditional wedding in Kyoto, dashing through the Pachinko parlors, singing karaoke, walking through shrines and temples, eating in local restaurants, riding the trains, the shabu shabu restaurant, the propaganda vans shouting their messages as they drive down the street, the ladies handing out tissue packages on the street, the often bizarre Japanese tv shows, and so, so much, this movie is at times a loving home movie for me, reminding me of so much I have seen and done during my time in Japan. For that reason alone I find myself watching it now and again just to remind me of the country that I miss so much now that I am back in the states.
Many people have complained of the anti-Japanese sentiment. I think they are missing the point, however. The two characters, Bob in particular, are very real clichés of the ugly American. Rather than taking Coppola to task for making fun of Japanese people, I give her credit for showing us ourselves. The squeamishness and outrage we feel when we see these characters is purposeful. Lord knows I came across many such people in my years there and seeing this behavior in the characters made them very real to me. Furthermore, Bob's acidic attitude is symptomatic of the misery and sadness he is experiencing and the frustration that stems from such feelings which causes him to seek the most convenient scapegoats for his angst.
In the end, though, most of the complaints stem from the viewers being bored to death and I will agree that there is little that really happens in this movie. It reminds me in some ways of "Sideways," both character studies where we visit with flawed and problematic people. I will also admit that before I lived in Japan I watched this movie and it wasn't nearly the same experience as it was after seeing Japan in person. It changed so much of my understanding and appreciation of the film.
One of the things that did bug me some was the near perverse nature of the relationship. Charlotte is young enough to be his daughter and their wavering feelings of longing for each other didn't serve the plot in any real way. The tenderness and humanity of the film could've been accomplished with a more realistic father-daughter connection between the two. I understand that they are desperate and needy for anyone to give them some shelter from their misery. But again, I think that this point could've been made without the sexual tension. Being lonely, being sad, and needing someone to cling to during difficult times in our life need not be sexual.
There is a scene about two-thirds through the movie where the two characters exchange thoughts on life, mostly Bob dispensing wisdom to Charlotte. This is my favorite part because we see the crystallization of what these two mean to each other. After days and nights suffering through jet lag, these two sleep-deprived foreigners finally fall blissfully asleep because at last they realize they are not alone amid the neon chaos of Tokyo. Charlotte nestles close in the security of her new friend and Bob gently touches Charlotte's foot and anchors himself for that moment to allow sleep to come. It's a subtle and tender moment and there are enough of these moments in Lost in Translation for me to forgive some of the mistakes. This is not a perfect movie but I give Coppola a lot of credit for making this most unusual and off-beat film.
 4 1/2! Great movie but not for everyone May 17, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
"Lost In Translation" written and directed by Sofia Coppola.
Bob Harris (Bill Murray) an actor whose prime is behind him travels to Tokyo to endorse a whiskey for a sizable payday as well as to take a break from his home and married life. Bob struggles with what may be a mid life crisis and seems to mentally struggle with the emptiness and life questions that it brings on...
Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) a recent graduate from Yale with a philosophy major and a recent newlywed has traveled to Tokyo with her husband John (Giovanni Ribisi) who is a celebrity photographer. John's work consumes him and as he travels all over Japan he leaves Charlotte in Tokyo and a feeling of neglect begins to set in. Charlotte has achieved all of her early goals of finishing school and getting married but she still doesn't really know who she is or what she wants. A disconnect begins to form between the intellectual Charlotte and the work driven John and his banal, self centered celebrity friends. Charlotte isn't sure where life is taking her and can't seem to find direction ...
Charlotte and Bob meet and find a kindred spirit in one another and an unlikely friendship is formed...
This was a great movie but is not going to be for everyone. "Lost In Translation" is a character driven movie and is not driven by a typical A to B plot. It is about watching each of the characters deal with their own emotional ups and downs and as a viewer you will either find a connection with what's happening on screen or be left thinking it was pretentious and wondering what it was all about.
The Good: It was great to see Bill Murray take on something that is a little outside of his norm and succeed at it and a great performance by Scarlett Johansson as well. Anna Farris also has a small part in "Lost" as an actress who has just filmed a Matrix like movie and she nails her part and gives an excellent performance.
This was great writing and directing by Sofia Coopola. The scenes and the way they were shot were great at letting the audience know what was going on with the characters.
The score was perfect and with the combination of great directing and acting the emotions of the characters and their internal struggles were excellently conveyed.
The Bad: Nothing memorable.
Overall: "Lost In Translation" is definitely not for everyone. Don't look for steamy love scenes or action packed fights and don't come looking for slap stick comedy. "Lost In Translation" is a character driven movie about people in a living purgatory looking for something or someone that will lead them out. If that sounds interesting then pick this up and give it a try.
Lost in Translation May 16, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Movie Review: Lost in Translation
Directed by Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation brings the audience into the fantastic city of Tokyo, Japan. This film consumes the audience in an aura of neon lights, karaoke bars, metropolis adventures, loneliness, soul-searching, and that the connections that we make in life may not last, but are never forgotten. Shot on location, in just 27 days, Lost in Translation presents a simple but beautiful story with fantastic performances by Scarlett Johansen and Bill Murray, stunning cinematography, and powerful messages presented to the audience.
Murray plays Bob Harris, an aging American actor who is in Tokyo to do a Japanese Whiskey commercial for big bucks, instead of maintaining his status on the artistic role call or spending time with his family. It is immediately apparent that Bob is confused and essentially lost in his life not knowing what he should do. He eventually meets and befriends the youthful Charlotte, played by Scarlett Johansen who is staying in the same luxury hotel as Harris. Charlotte is a young, lovelorn, newlywed, tagging along to Tokyo with her neurotic Photographer husband. Even before Charlotte's workaholic husband essentially abandons her; it is apparent that Charlotte is also in a soul searching transitional state, stifled by a lack of direction in her life. Both Charlotte and Bob seem physically and emotionally isolated from their spouses and find themselves reflecting on their lives and where they are headed. The mutual soul searching and insomnia eventually drive the two into meeting each other. The chance encounters between Charlotte and Harris eventually blossom into a surprising friendship, with powerful camaraderie. The audience then follows the pair on their chaotic yet beautiful adventures throughout the city of Tokyo and the hilarious encounters with its citizens. From being shot with automatic pellet guns, running through the Tokyo metropolis, to late night karaoke in high rises, Lost in Translation truly depicts the craziness and beauty of the city. Bob and Charlotte discover this magnificence and the meaningfulness behind loving friendships.
The journey brings excitement to the lives of Charlotte and Harris and the two ultimately discover a new belief in life's possibilities. Inevitably, the fairy-tale journey has to end and Harris and Charlotte have to part ways. The film ends on a controversial and graceful note which again exemplifies the theme of living in the moment and making the most of the attachments we form while we can. While the ending may burn some people, film lovers will forever adore its mystery and bittersweet quality.
The performances of Murray and Johanssen are both equally terrific. Until recent years, when most people think of a Bill Murray movie, thoughts of Caddyshack, Groundhog's Day, Stripes, and classic SNL hi-jinks immediately come to mind. Although these films are not considered groundbreaking, Murray has truly proven himself to be a comedic genius. Aside from his underrated yet profound performance of Hunter S. Thompson in Where the Buffalo Roam, Lost in Translation marks the beginning of Murray's transition into more dramatic roles. Throughout the film, Murray does an incredible job of portraying a man who is truly lost in his life and not knowing where to turn. On the surface it seems that he should be content. He has a family, success as an actor, and large amounts of wealth. However, he is able to portray a man who is completely alone, distraught, and reflecting on his life with no feeling of accomplishment. He does this so well that the audience can't help but feel his sorrow. At the same time, he is able to combine these feelings of loneliness with his world renowned humor in a very subtle manner.
Johannsen's performance is equally ground-breaking and compliments Murray's character very well. Her role as a confused young woman still discovering herself takes the audience back to any point in their lives when they felt the same way. The chemistry that develops between the two on screen is just as humorous as it is beautiful. Charlotte and Bob are able to laugh at the people and situations they find themselves in and laugh at each other. This coupled with their natural dialogue allows the audience to relate to each of the characters very well.
Several messages can be taken away from this film. One is the idea of inspiring friendships, and that the connections that we make in our lives may not last, but are never forgotten. This of course comes through in the relationship that Harris and Charlotte form. Although they only spend a week together, the bond that they form is incredibly strong. The love and deep feelings that Charlotte and Harris feel for each other is handled smartly and romantically, because the two know that they live in a real world with real consequences. This highlights the subtle theme of bittersweet loneliness that is present throughout the film, which seems to challenge the audience by forcing them to reflect on their hopelessly lonely moments. What started out as a surprising friendship develops into a deep, beautiful love story and the way in which the two discover they're soul mates will be cherished in the film world for years to come.
The idea of being lost and searching for something is another one of the prominent themes in this film. Although they are at different stages in their lives, Bob and Charlotte are lost and searching for something in their lives. By finding each other and sharing the experience they seem to rediscover themselves and realize the beauty of living in the moment. At one point, Bob makes the statement that he's lost and realizes he wants to live healthier and take better care of himself. This film is by no means preaching about health and being physically fit, but just the fact that life is beautiful and we should try and live it the best we can. Having the movie take place in a foreign land seems to make it somewhat easier for the two main characters to see this. Being in Tokyo, and being exposed to a different culture helps Bob and Charlotte live in the moment, and forces them to take a step back and put things into perspective.
Overall, I found Lost in Translation a positively terrific film with several elements all coming together in perfect harmony. After watching this movie, I had many conflicting emotions. For one of the first times in my life, I felt sad and happy simultaneously. I was overcome with a feeling of sorrow and grief, but also a feeling of inspiration that I couldn't really describe. From examining the nature of close friendships, to showing the fascinating and chaotic aspects of another culture, to someone's own personal soul search, there are many things that one can take away from this film.
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