It is a film that can be warm, but in the end is a bit odd, cold, empty, and somewhat sad.
Some moments in the story poke subtle fun at the Japanese culture. Obviously, there are funny moments dealing with Karaoke, Sushi, overall size, and the ever-so-apparent language barrier. I can only assume it was meant to be more humorous. However, the pacing of the film is so lackluster that it seems to tarnish what comedy exists. There are colorful moments in the film, and some moments that could be referred to as "good advice." Nevertheless, I found the overall script left me in a gray area. In some ironic way, I think that was the overall goal of the film.
On the one hand, the friendship bonding was tediously dull and is accompanied by a script that takes a snail's pace to make a point. On the other hand, there is much to admire in the cinematography and thematic feel of the film. The moving images may paint a dull world of life and relationships, while at the same time it paints a remarkably real one. The footage of Tokyo is captured in vivid bliss, and Charlotte's visit to a Japanese garden looks astonishing. I have to admit, I'm truly a fan of Japanese architecture and their passion for perfection. The film does a wonderful job capturing these elements, but it leaves me undecided when it comes to rating it as an overall "good film." So, weighing these two issues of script vs. cinematography is why I feel I'm in a gray area. It's not a bad film, and it certainly works on various levels. It just doesn't work for me because I feel the story is at a loss for passion in its storytelling.
Nevertheless, I didn't see "Lost In Translation" as a complete loss. It's not an awful film in any way. It is just one that didn't flip my switch. However, I will say it is a film that might sit better after a few more viewings. The film's cinematography alone is mesmerizing and unique enough to make every dime of my "blind purchase" worth it. However, the script and overall pace of the film were, quite simply, doing nothing for me. What can I say? It was a sleeper in the most literal possible way. It's a decent film to look at as long as you can keep your eyes open. It does make for a good home purchase because you can nap halfway through, wake up, and then finish the rest. In some ways it's almost like watching NASCAR. The race begins, you watch a plethora of left-hand turns, catch a couple of wrecks, take a long nap, and wake up just in time to see the finish.
Video:
The film is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen ratio. Again, Universal has done a superb job transferring the film to disc, and I mean that in the most sarcastic way possible. Universal DVDs are becoming notorious for trouble with dark areas, color contrast, and an unusually higher amount of film grain than one sees from other studios. Not to worry, though; it's only bad in a few spots, and I have to admit I've seen much worse. Let's just say Universal are not making any major efforts to improve their stay in the entertainment market. I guess it's a fair enough picture for what it is, and the Japanese garden scene does look beautiful.
Audio:
The sound is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 in English and French. Captions are in English, and subtitles are in Spanish and French. The audio does what it needs to do for the film. There's nothing special about it, and it is very center-based speaker entertainment, at best. Not to mention, there is not a lot of background thematic music playing. Thus, the film has quite a few quiet moments. However, the overall sound is about as lackluster as it gets, although for what the film does, it works like a charm.
Extras:
This single disc is packed with some candy. If you become, or are already, a big fan of the film, there are plenty of extras to feed your monster. There is a behind-the-scenes documentary where we get to see what it was like filming "Lost In Translation" from day one. It's somewhat interesting, but by no means is it delightful entertainment. Then there's an interview with Bill Murray and Sofia Coppola. It's kind of funny to watch because Murray certainly steals the thunder. However, the interview covers many things already seen in the documentary. Next, there's a music video, "City Girls," performed by Kevin Shields. Who the heck is Kevin Shields? Whatever. It's in the extras. The disc is also loaded with two deleted scenes that are split up as two menu selections. Why the menu designers decided to do this, I'll never know. Overall, the extras are really nothing extra, and, rest assured, they are nothing we haven't seen on other DVDs. I guess on a good note, at least the disc did come with some non-important extras.
Parting Gifts:
I can only recommend "Lost in Translation" to someone who is prepared for a serious drama, mixed with very subtle comedy. Don't be afraid to give the film a chance if you feel you can't make it through the first thirty minutes. The film does make some good points about life. How things really never get easier. How we all need to come to the realization that life is not a fairy tale. How even those who have it all, or had it all, still have human problems like everyone else. The film makes these points well, but it is the manner in which they are made that is not to my taste. It is a film that can be warm, but in the end is a bit odd, cold, empty, and somewhat sad. I think the film does acquit itself well, but that does not mean I have to love it.
On the one hand, the friendship bonding was tediously dull and is accompanied by a script that takes a snail's pace to make a point. On the other hand, there is much to admire in the cinematography and thematic feel of the film. The moving images may paint a dull world of life and relationships, while at the same time it paints a remarkably real one. The footage of Tokyo is captured in vivid bliss, and Charlotte's visit to a Japanese garden looks astonishing. I have to admit, I'm truly a fan of Japanese architecture and their passion for perfection. The film does a wonderful job capturing these elements, but it leaves me undecided when it comes to rating it as an overall "good film." So, weighing these two issues of script vs. cinematography is why I feel I'm in a gray area. It's not a bad film, and it certainly works on various levels. It just doesn't work for me because I feel the story is at a loss for passion in its storytelling.
Nevertheless, I didn't see "Lost In Translation" as a complete loss. It's not an awful film in any way. It is just one that didn't flip my switch. However, I will say it is a film that might sit better after a few more viewings. The film's cinematography alone is mesmerizing and unique enough to make every dime of my "blind purchase" worth it. However, the script and overall pace of the film were, quite simply, doing nothing for me. What can I say? It was a sleeper in the most literal possible way. It's a decent film to look at as long as you can keep your eyes open. It does make for a good home purchase because you can nap halfway through, wake up, and then finish the rest. In some ways it's almost like watching NASCAR. The race begins, you watch a plethora of left-hand turns, catch a couple of wrecks, take a long nap, and wake up just in time to see the finish.
Video:
The film is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen ratio. Again, Universal has done a superb job transferring the film to disc, and I mean that in the most sarcastic way possible. Universal DVDs are becoming notorious for trouble with dark areas, color contrast, and an unusually higher amount of film grain than one sees from other studios. Not to worry, though; it's only bad in a few spots, and I have to admit I've seen much worse. Let's just say Universal are not making any major efforts to improve their stay in the entertainment market. I guess it's a fair enough picture for what it is, and the Japanese garden scene does look beautiful.
Audio:
The sound is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 in English and French. Captions are in English, and subtitles are in Spanish and French. The audio does what it needs to do for the film. There's nothing special about it, and it is very center-based speaker entertainment, at best. Not to mention, there is not a lot of background thematic music playing. Thus, the film has quite a few quiet moments. However, the overall sound is about as lackluster as it gets, although for what the film does, it works like a charm.
Extras:
This single disc is packed with some candy. If you become, or are already, a big fan of the film, there are plenty of extras to feed your monster. There is a behind-the-scenes documentary where we get to see what it was like filming "Lost In Translation" from day one. It's somewhat interesting, but by no means is it delightful entertainment. Then there's an interview with Bill Murray and Sofia Coppola. It's kind of funny to watch because Murray certainly steals the thunder. However, the interview covers many things already seen in the documentary. Next, there's a music video, "City Girls," performed by Kevin Shields. Who the heck is Kevin Shields? Whatever. It's in the extras. The disc is also loaded with two deleted scenes that are split up as two menu selections. Why the menu designers decided to do this, I'll never know. Overall, the extras are really nothing extra, and, rest assured, they are nothing we haven't seen on other DVDs. I guess on a good note, at least the disc did come with some non-important extras.
Parting Gifts:
I can only recommend "Lost in Translation" to someone who is prepared for a serious drama, mixed with very subtle comedy. Don't be afraid to give the film a chance if you feel you can't make it through the first thirty minutes. The film does make some good points about life. How things really never get easier. How we all need to come to the realization that life is not a fairy tale. How even those who have it all, or had it all, still have human problems like everyone else. The film makes these points well, but it is the manner in which they are made that is not to my taste. It is a film that can be warm, but in the end is a bit odd, cold, empty, and somewhat sad. I think the film does acquit itself well, but that does not mean I have to love it.
Average user rating (1-5):
[release]11470[/release]