Lost in Translation

Lost in Translation tells, in discreet and unsensational fashion, of the platonic love affair that develops between a middle-aged American actor and the young woman Charlotte in Tokyo.

Bob Harris has travelled all the way to the land of the rising sun to shoot a series of whisky commercials that pay him handsomely. He meets Charlotte by chance in the hotel bar one night when they are both sleepless - lonely and a little lost in the cultural Chernobyl that is central Tokyo. Charlotte has come along with her husband John, a photographer who is on an assignment. John is away most of the day, so Charlotte begins to spend time with Bob. Despite the age difference they develop a special understanding and sympathy.

Lost in Translation is also about cultural divides, but accusing the film of racism in its portrayal of the foreign Japanese culture and mentality is going too far. The American tendency towards brain-dead superficiality also gets a good drubbing. Charlotte in fact feels far more alienated from the hyperactive American actress Kelly, who is on a promotional tour, than from her Japanese acquaintances.

There is not much outward drama, so this witty and original film will probably not appeal to everyone, but it is a very poetic experience.