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Parents' Guide to

Lost in Translation

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Excellent but mature film about finding a connection.

Movie R 2003 102 minutes
Lost in Translation Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 13+

Based on 9 parent reviews

TAPQ
TAPQ Adult
February 13, 2020
age 13+

Awesome, fun, funny, and great!

This movie is a masterpiece. The subtle humour, fun storyline, and nice moral ended up with a really great, well-made movie. It would probably be pretty boring for younger kids, and there is a scene that takes place in a strip club, but it's great for older kids and adults
Keegs M.
Keegs M. Parent of 8 and 12-year-old
July 15, 2018
age 16+

By Far My Favorite Movie of All Time

Lost in Translation, has been my favorite film for a while now. Now, I'm not saying that by watching it, it will be exactly the same for you too. However, this film is excellent and portrays the character development in an intricate and mature way. Now saying this, the film is a little outdated as proved by the portrayal of the Japanese culture and race as quirky and often mocks the 'r' and 'l' sounds in Japanese speech. However, understanding this outdated portrayal and looking over it, the film brilliantly expresses love and friendship and the long lasting impact of these relationships. Sofia Coppola's film sticks with you in a great way only some films can. However, if you are a parent there are some things important to note. The film deals with mature themes such as extramarital sex and adultery. There is brief frontal female nudity and a female's bottom can be made out through the back of some translucent underwear. This film is a must-watch at least once, especially for older teens and adults.
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What's the Story?

LOST IN TRANSLATION centers on American movie star Bob (Bill Murray), who is in Tokyo to appear in whiskey ads, and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), an unemployed wife who is there with her photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi). Everything in Japan makes Bob and Charlotte feel out of place. Neither can get to sleep, and their bleary disorientation contrasts with the sensory overload of Tokyo. But it's not just their brains that are out of focus; it is their hearts and souls as well. Both have a lot of trouble connecting to others, both are in transition. Bob and Charlotte connect in a way they don't understand. But they do understand that it is precious to them to feel that way -- or just to feel. And they treat that feeling with touching delicacy. She takes him to a karaoke club. He takes her to the emergency room when she hurts her toe. They don't exchange life stories, discover that they love the same poem, or have any of the usual movie indicators that they are soul-mates. They just understand each other a little and like each other a little more. And that is a very nice thing to observe.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (9 ):
Kids say (14 ):

Sofia Coppola (The Virgin Suicides) has written and directed a fascinating film. Lost in Translation is less about a story than about the sights, the feelings, the moments, and the especially the connection between two Americans adrift in Tokyo.

The performances by Murray and Johansson are tender delights. Anna Faris (Scary Movie) is deliciously perfect as a starlet who has had too many people tell her how interesting she is. Coppola is a master of moments and details, and here they add up to a story that is beautifully bittersweet.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Bob and Charlotte are drawn to each other. What do they have in common? What is most different about them? Is their connection believable?

  • What do you think Bob whispers to Charlotte at the end?

  • Why do you think this movie was so critically acclaimed?

Movie Details

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