Lost in Translation MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 Content: -2

A couple of lonely Americans find emotional support from each other while out of their element in Tokyo in this comedic drama. Movie star Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is there shooting a whiskey ad. And newlywed Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) is there, having tagged along with her international photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi) for a photo shoot. Bob and Charlotte are faced with major culture shock from their strange surroundings. Late one evening, Bob retreats to his hotel lounge and bumps into the much younger Charlotte. Through this chance encounter, they befriend each other and spend the week experiencing the nightlife of Tokyo. Many hysterical and eventful nights on the town lead to a deepened friendship and a surprising end to a crazy week. This film will bring you to spontaneous laughter and cause you to think about the twists in the unpredictable journey of life.

A thought-provoking theme is threaded throughout the film, raising questions like, What is the key to fulfillment and life-long happiness? The main characters find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster during their time in Tokyo and wonder about their life and future with their spouses. They come to a crossroads when they must decide between pursuing a casual affair and keeping the vows they each made to their spouses. Their decision will spark a chord of moral thought for viewers. The friendship remains chaste, but Harris has an implied sexual encounter with someone else that threatens this friendship. Lost in Translation contains a few obscenities and some profanity. Some frontal nudity is seen in a topless bar, which was unnecessary and irrelevant to the context. Excessive drinking and the use of drugs was projected as enjoyable entertainment but was a natural flow with the theme of the movie.

Preview Reviewer: Troy Dandrea
Distributor: Tohokushinsha Film Corporation