A noughties dramedy that fans describe as ‘a truly magical experience’ has just landed on Netflix
Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson star in the Oscar-winning drama(Image: Publicity Picture)
Netflix has quietly added a cult classic drama that picked up the coveted Best Original Screenplay Oscar in 2004.
The streaming giant has a huge catalogue of Academy Award winners and Lost in Translation is worth adding to your weekend watchlist.
The 2003 dramedy was written and directed by Sofia Coppola, daughter of famed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather). It follows an unlikely friendship between American strangers Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson).
The pair first meet in Tokyo, where fading movie star Bob is due to film a Japanese whiskey commercial. Meanwhile, Charlotte is a conflicted newlywed visiting alongside her celebrity-photographer husband.
After meeting at their hotel bar, the pair discover they have more in common than they expected. From there, the film dives into important themes such as alienation and the importance of human connection.
The dramedy was an instant hit with critics, earning four Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Leading Actor (for Murray). Ultimately, Coppola took home the screenplay prize.
It also earned a near-perfect 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics praised: “Effectively balancing humour and subtle pathos, Sofia Coppola crafts a moving, melancholy story that serves as a showcase for both Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson.”
Viewers were equally impressed, though they awarded the drama a less-impressive 85% score.
One fan raved: “The movie is a masterpiece in every sense. Nothing wanting. If you want to learn about movie making, or just enjoy something purely brilliant, this is it. A work of art.”
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Someone else echoed the praise: “A hypnotically sweet and tender movie that’s quiet, but grows on you and makes you never want to leave its presence.”
While a third said: “One of the most real and raw movies I have ever seen, Coppola tells a beautiful tale of simple human connection, unlikely friends, and loneliness. This movie is wonderful and thoughtful from start to finish. Deciding never to watch it would be a mistake.”
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Yet another moviegoer gushed: “A truly magical experience. Concise, yet meaningful, dialogues where you have to read between the lines to uncover their true depth.
“Simple, yet touching, story that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Breath-taking visuals that complement the story. In fact, the main character IS indeed the city of Tokyo that unites two wandering lonely souls.”
Lost in Translation is streaming now on Netflix