Lost in Translation
Film, Japan October 2nd, 2003
Lost in Translation isn’t so much about Japan. In fact, there is very little of Japan itself in the spotlight. It is about relationships. Loneliness. Dealing with decisions, personal lives, abandoning them for a night or three, finding out more about yourself. Japan serves as a backdrop to place two of these people in a situation where they have more of a reason to connect and look into their own lives. In a way, watching “Lost” was a way to reflect on how I felt at times living in Kitakyushu.
I loved it. My ability to understand most of what the Japanese cast said (subtitles are not provided in the entire film, which makes perfect sense) was an added plus. I brought with me to the theater the bit of enthusiasm and nostalgia I’ve always had for Japan since I returned.
Can’t say much more. I was pretty moved by the final scene. I recall having a note jotted down for a video project very similar to it. I want to see it again sometime, so I’ll most likely acquire it once it’s out on DVD.
October 6th, 2003 at 4:46 pm
That’s pretty much how I felt about it too. I went to see it to feel nostalgic about my own days lost in Japan, but I got so much more from it. I thought it could be done in Las Vegas or New York City. I think Tokyo provides just enough comic relief to keep Bill Murray from slipping out of character. Also, it gives texture to that surreal feeling you get when you haven’t been to sleep for days.