Welcome change. Review on Lost in Translation Movie

Independent movies of Hollywood can be likened to the Parallel Cinema movement of the Eighties in India. These are movies that are meaningful, devoid of commercial formulae, low-budgeted but sometimes featuring stars and most importantly free from the clutches of the big bad studios. The last item has a down-side though -- the movie might reach the Indian audience very late (more than a year in this case) or worse, never make it.

Honoured at the 2004 Oscars, the movie made news mainly on account of its director carrying the Coppola surname. Even if one had no clue what kind of story to expect, it becomes fairly clear within a few minutes.

An ageing Hollywood star lands in Tokyo to shoot a commercial and make some publicity appearances. His general boredom in life is aggravated in the alien country, till he meets someone in the same boat. The young lady is confused about what to do in life, even while in a marriage where her husband has hardly any time for her. An unexpected encounter leads to an unusual relationship.

The emotional drama is narrated without much brouhaha -- no witty dialogues and in an 'arty' fashion. The curiosity about where the relationship is heading keeps the audience interested. Intermittent comedy, mainly related to the Japanese, featuring Murray's antics, spice up the proceedings. It's all in good humour though, not really poking fun at the culture.

Murray is the star who lends publicity to this small venture. He underplays his role to perfection, very different from his usual comic outings. Johansson makes a good impression, both with her mature acting and her natural beauty. She identifies herself with the character very well. The supporting cast has very little part to play and there are no disappointments. Cinematography and editing set the mood of the movie beautifully.

The Coppola genes are on display, in the choice of an off-beat subject and its treatment based on conviction. The next generation has arrived and the onus is on the viewers to look out for more in the future.