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flprlee
Reviews
Lost on Location: Behind the Scenes of 'Lost in Translation' (2004)
A wonderfully sensitive and creative movie
I loved this movie.! I am very impressed with Ms Coppola's direction and think she was very sensitive to her Japanese experience. As a "Japanophile", I found it very interesting to see modern day Tokyo. (I would so love to go there and probably never will.)
I also liked the contrast between the 2 main American protagonists (Charlotte and Harris) and the Japanese culture that is shown in the movie. Coppola captured such a quiet, pensive feeling of the actors in the elegant hotel suffering jet lag and insomnia. Then contrasting that with the manic shots in the video arcades, the busy streets, the crazy TV guest appearance, the parties, etc.
And I particularly love the scene in the hospital when Murray is "talking" with the old Japanese fellow and the ladies in the back are trying so hard not to laugh, but can't help themselves. Japenese humor is so different from ours, but this scene seems to be more universal.
I do wonder why she used the Chinese pronunciation "LIP" in the hilarious scene with the Japanese call girl. The Japanese cannot say L and pronounce it like R, while the Chinese cannot say R and pronounce it like L! Just opposite of what she did. (That was the first thing I learned in beginning Japanese class.)
The scenes of visiting the temples in Kyoto were particularly beautiful. Some great cinematography there. The Japanese wedding party and the couple were filmed so lovingly.
My husband and I have seen this movie (on cable) at least 7 times, and always enjoy it. We find new things in it every time...one of our criteria for a really good film. Looking forward to her next one!