Student Film Reviews

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1. Jonna Wallin 06.05.19 / 4pm

   I agree with many of the things you have said in your review regarding this film. Like you said, in the beginning, the audiences learn so much about the characters Bob and Charlotte without any narration because their actions express any explicit and implicit meaning very well. I felt like Bob and Charlotte were currently a bit lost or confused about their life when they met in the film. I also thought that as you watch the film, like the characters, you begin to ponder life in general. I never saw the film this way, but is interesting how you said, “you will be lost in translation while watching this film in all the best ways.” I guess you can be.
2. Beatriz Balestrero Machado 06.08.19 / 9pm

   Lost in Translation is a great film that expresses a lot about each character just in the first few scenes. Every event in this film is easy to view and understand as they are placed in chronological order. The plot is organized that way so we can view both Charlotte’s and Bob’s marriages and their emotional state. It was a very easy movie to watch as the script is simple and still entertaining. I really enjoy how you put that “You will be lost in translation while watching this film in all the best ways”, and I see where you come from as easy as it easy to watch there are many scenes that leave the viewers wondering and it is really up to us to interpret it.
3. Calvin Sanborn 07.22.19 / 12am

   Something thought you touched well on was your analysis of the characters. It is clear that they are both unhappy in their current lifestyles. I also think talking about the simplicity of dialogue was super useful. The fact that so much was communicated to the audience without much explaining was very important in the way this movie was directed and relied on how the actors in mise-en-scene did.
4. Kayli Anderson 07.22.19 / 10pm

   Great review! I appreciated your acknowledgment of their dissatisfaction of their current lives. This film touched a lot of interesting areas and addressed the concept of “culture shock.” Between the character’s unsettling home lives (their realities) and their physical location in a foreign country allows for vulnerability. Vulnerability in my eyes is what allows for the characters to connect and find comfort in each other. I also enjoyed your comments on narration and how we learn an abundance solely based on their movements, body language, conversations, etc without further explanation.
5. Karina Marquez 10.14.19 / 1pm

   Excellent review of this film. You make a great point when you mention that we learn about Bob and Charlotte’s lives and personalities thorough their facial expressions, rather than them explicitly saying how they are feeling. Their gestures and expressions let us into their heads and inner emotions where we can really see how both Bob and Charlotte feel for each other as well as how they are dealing with living in an unfamiliar city. The set up of this film was also great in the sense that it allowed us to see what the characters were feeling at the same time, but with different scenes. Overall, this movie told a great story and left the audience wanting more because we did not necessarily get answers to our questions. Great work.
6. Claire Oertly 10.18.19 / 9pm

   Sophia Coppola was very good with keeping Lost in Translation simple yet interesting. I thought it was important how you advised to simply “watch it and imagine what the characters are thinking” because I think that’s something very fun about this movie. With the first half having so little dialogue it almost allows the viewer to put their own experiences into their experience of the film. It’s light and fun and heartwarming and overall is a very lovely film. I also liked how you mentioned that this film has the power to make someone think about their life, just as the characters do in the film because I think it’s nice to be able to connect to a film in that kind of way. 
7. Jennifer De La Palma 02.04.20 / 5pm

   I couldn’t have agreed any more with your review of the film Lost In Translation. Im glad I watched this film because I personally enjoyed it enough to whereas I would definitely recommend it to others! The events that occurred in the film were in chronological order. Since the events were organized, it made it easier for me, as the audience to follow along with the story. And yes, the film overall was simple in dialogue but had a much deeper meaning and thought to it. I really liked how you made that connection about the film stating that one will be lost in translation while watching the film.
8. Kenen Corea 03.05.20 / 4pm

   I enjoyed reading your review and I can certainly agree with your view on this film. It was indeed very much slow paced at times, but as you said, it kept me wondering what would happen next. The facial expressions let the audience get a feel for what they were felt inside, and the actors without a doubt did a great job on this film. Your summary of the basic plot was concise and straight to the point, which made it very easy to comprehend. I also did not even realize that the director of the film was the daughter of Frances Ford Coppola, interesting!
9. Bess Zumwalt 03.05.20 / 5pm

   This film does a great job of sharing common similarities between the two actors and the audience. The plot is linear in the way that the story starts and finishes in present times and. there is no skipping around in the timeline. This movie displays irony by Bob and Charlotte being the two outsiders, and in many ways share many similarities. I agree with how you said in the first few minutes the audience already learns so much about Bob and Charlotte just by how Coppola displays the character’s personality. You did a great job at showing the differences and the character analysis, I agree with how you said the. director creates a lingering effect in between scenes.
10. calebseverson 03.10.20 / 1pm

    I think you make a great point about the beauty in simplicity, both in life and in this film. I agree that the two main characters, Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), do a phenomenal job in conveying raw human emotions. I was an interview recently with Scarlett Johansson in which she stated she was only 17 years old at the time of the shoot. I found that very interesting. Even more, interestingly she said that Sophia Coppola (writer and direct) wrote the part of Charlotte specifically with her in mind. For me, that shows some amazing forethought and preparation for making a quality film. All in all, I really enjoyed and agreed with your review of the movie. On a final note, you make a great point about how to city of Tokyo is highlighted in this film.
11. Gilberto Carrillo 06.06.20 / 1pm

    When talking about non dialogues scenes you said “Put monologue in their head and you will find that even simple actions can speak louder than words”. That’s a powerful point about reviewing film, one that I never really thought about but that’s essentially what the director, screenwriter and editor are working for. the cinematography the mise-en-scene all of these aspects are sometimes looked over solely for narrative and dialogue reasons. And this movie made sure to paint scenes of loneliness for our main characters when alone. You’ve made a good point on how to view movies.
12. sophia cordero 06.06.20 / 10pm

    I really enjoyed reading your review on this film. I agree that in the first 15 minutes you already know so much about the main characters. When I was watching the film I slowly started to realize that there was a lot more being told behind all the words and the story of the movie. I do think that certain scenes failed to get the connection to the viewer and made the viewer think that certain scenes may have been irrelevant….and I also do agree that it was a slow pace film.
13. Irelyn Wesley 10.07.20 / 11am

    Something that really stood out to me in your analysis of this film, Lost in Translation, was your ability to recognize the fact there was very little dialogue between the characters, but you constantly know their thoughts. In my analysis of this film, that didn’t quite cross my mind until reading your perspective. I agree that even though the two main characters were at different stages of their life, they really found a common factor (loneliness) that made them connect on such an intimate level. Both the actors executed these roles with simplicity in their words, as you expressed, and show us the vulnerable sides to their characters. The film’s editing, directing, and acting caused my emotions to be heightened as the movie progressed and the characters formed deeper connections with each other.
14. Yazmin Medel 10.23.20 / 4pm

    I first watched this film knowing very little about it besides what the trailer shows. I thought the story told was delivered beautifully, especially as the audience meets the characters. While watching, it seemed evident, but I hadn’t realized how much we learned about them through their facial expressions. The audience can sense the sadness and discomfort of each character by viewing how they react to others and by themselves in a completely different environment to which they are not used to. I enjoyed the importance of creating the perfect mise-en-scene when Bob and Charlotte are shown wondering in Japan, those scenes were just stunning.
15. Yazmin Medel 10.23.20 / 4pm

    Hi Chloe,
    I first watched this film knowing very little about it besides what the trailer had shown. I thought the story told was delivered beautifully, especially as the audience meets the characters. While watching, it seemed evident, but I hadn’t realized how much we learned about them through their facial expressions. The audience can sense the sadness and discomfort of each character by viewing how they react to others and by themselves in a completely different environment to which they are not used to. Something I enjoyed was the importance of creating the perfect mise-en-scene when Bob and Charlotte are shown wondering in Japan. Those scenes were just absolutely breathtaking.
16. Carlos zaragoza 10.24.20 / 11pm

    I agree with your opinion that the film is brilliantly put together and the actors do a great job of showing how the characters would feel if their significant other is neglecting them. Although the beginning of the film was slow it was worth it because we got a better understanding of how the characters felt being stuck in a nation that they didn’t really want to be in. Bob was stuck with a commercial deal and Charlotte got dragged along by her husband, and neither of them were having a good time because they felt isolated from their significant other and the world itself because it was all foreign to them. Because of their isolation they begin to interact with each other because they feel a bond that draws them together as friend’s and almost becoming lovers later on, and although they don’t explicitly say till the end of the film we do see that through their actions and gestures that they do care for each other. So “Lost in Translation” was a master piece due to it’s subtle uses of gestures and actions to get the point across that they care for each other which makes the fil a masterpiece.
17. Andrew Hopkins 03.21.21 / 4pm

    Hey, I thought you left a very coherent review. I certainly can appreciate the form of delivery the producers came up with to depict the character of Bob and Charolette, and know that it’s not common for non-verbal communication to be used to illicit such strong meaning. I feel that non-verbal communication was used so abundantly within the movie to show the true intentions of Bob and Charolette, as they were technically already cheating on their other significant others – which is something that most viewers seem to over glance. I felt a constant handwriting on the wall, and was constantly looking for opportunities to reinforce my negative perception of Bob and Charolette as they really aren’t good people. Sure, their little affair was cute, but at the end of the day they were doing such a selfish and damaging act.
18. Jennifer Mosqueda 03.23.21 / 2pm

    After reading your review, I felt a new appreciation for the film’s mise en scene and its elements. Your character analysis was well done. It shows how two seemingly different strangers aren’t so different after all, as they project many relatable emotions and feelings. The raw human emotion ability from both the actors were shown beautifully that it made the film that much more impactful. Your choice of words when referring to simplicity and subtlety perfectly capture the nature of the film. Just by gestures and expressions, Bob and Charlotte communicate to the audience in a way that didn’t need explicit narration. You put it best when you stated “you will be lost in translation while watching this film.” It’s a film with great connection to the realities of questioning one’s purpose in life.
19. Catherine Spiller 06.02.21 / 2pm

    Hi Chloe,

    I really liked how you reviewed this film, a short and sweet film with a short and sweet review. The film truly speaks for itself, and is hard to put into words what this film really is. I really liked how you talked about learning so much in the first 15 minutes, with so little dialogue. This is one of those movies where actions and body language speak so much louder than what Bob and Charlotte ever spoke to each other. The movie really is simple at first watch, but so much deeper once you analyze it. The director lets the characters speak for themselves, and the audience figures out for themselves what is really going on inside Bob and Charllotes heads.
20. Camille Mungenast 06.04.21 / 3pm

    I think you wrote a great review for this film. Before I watched this film, I knew nothing about it so I had no expectations. I think that title (Lost in Translation) is a perfect way to describe this film. A scene that was shown multiple times throughout this film was Charolette sitting in the window sill staring off at the city below her. I think the repetition of this scene fits with the title and shows that we are just a small part of the universe. Even with little dialogue, the actors portrayed the special connection that they each other. I liked when you mentioned to add your own dialogue when watching this film.
21. Brayden Melvin 06.05.21 / 8pm

    I agree with your take on saying less is saying more in this film. It really goes past just the dialogue and into what the characters are actually doing too. Nothing really special happens, but because of the chemistry between the two characters, everyday activities seem fun. At first they seem like strangers and lost in Japan, but throughout the movie it’s apparent that they’re really strangers in their lives back at home, and in Japan feels more like a home to them.
22. Isabella Neill 07.16.21 / 5pm

    I really liked how you approached the film form principal of communication between characters. I agree that the film relies heavily on subtle actions of character and interactions to convey the tender love that the two main characters share. The build up of the characters relationship takes up most of the film. With this drawn out build up, it allows the audience to feel the characters grow strong enough to admit that they have feelings for each other.
23. Riley Drake 07.17.21 / 10pm

    I agree with your review of this amazing film and I actually did not realize that Sophia Coppola is Francis Ford Coppola’s daughter until I read your review. I enjoyed how you described that the film displays beauty through simplicity because that is a very central feeling to the film. You also make an interesting observation about how the movie conveys emotion through the characters facial expressions. This film really focused on the tension between the characters and the slow subtle build up really made it a phenomenal film.
24. Nick Tivy 07.24.21 / 8pm

    I enjoyed Lost in Translation and the unique story structure the film employs. The film is an entire painting. You can remove a brush here and there and still understand what the painting is displaying, but it ends up being distracting if you remove too many strokes. Almost every scene works hand to hand in giving a reason for Bob to stay with Charlotte and having a new life together. Your review demonstrated this well.
25. Yinuo li 10.15.21 / 9am

    What Lost in Translation discusses can be said to be the thoughts of people in that environment, and all of us are likely to face such a situation. Why they can produce such violent chemical reactions at different ages, I think it is the combined effect of environment and state. They are all temporarily living in a place where the language is not clear and there are not many friends. In this case, people will naturally have basic goodwill towards people who speak the same language from the same place. Then they are all in the same kind of confusion in life. Bob has a sluggish career and is at odds with his wife. Charlotte’s husband is busy with work and ignores her. He has no friends and nothing to do in Tokyo. It can be said that this is the comfort of two lonely souls, which can often be expressed with only one look.
26. Sophie Lang 10.30.21 / 6pm

    Lost in Translation was such an incredible film to watch, with a very interesting story line. I love that the main characters relationship is never made clear if it is romantic or platonic. All the viewer knows is they have a strong connection and can empathize with how the other is feeling. Sofia Coppola has such a distinct style in her films that I absolutely love. This film specifically has such a cool tone that really helps emphasize the loneliness both the main characters are feeling. There are so many beautiful scenes with no dialogue or background music that really pull the viewer in.
27. Olivia Figlo 02.18.22 / 11am

    Hi Chloe,
    Great review!
    I strongly agree with the value of Lost in Translation’s subtlety and simplicity that you described. I really enjoyed how vividly the characters’ inner thoughts and emotions came across, despite not being explicitly expressed. The way you explained the mutual understanding Bob and Charlotte shared while being in such different places in life was wonderfully put. I definitely picked up on the very raw feeling as well. I’m glad you loved this film, I did too!
28. Tom Rasmussen 03.10.22 / 11pm

    The film Lost In Translation to me wasn’t necessarily entertaining, but meaningful and bold in its statement. Like Choloe said, there wasn’t much dialogue in this movie and the actor’s portrayals of emotions and moods fueled the film forward. The mise en scene and setting was very vibrant, but the characters were in such dark places. I think the film did a very good job of staying away from stereotypical relationships and focusing on the ideals of support. Realizing now from this review, the characters had a very real connection and honestly supported each other through their worst times in Japan.
29. Tom Hsieh 05.28.22 / 9pm

    Your review of Lost in Translation is excellent! I agree that the director Coppola is subtle in her presentation of Bob and Charlotte. They are lonely strangers who meet by chance in the hotel and develop a deep emotional relationship. He’s an aging actor and she’s a married, recent college graduate. Despite their bond, they did not have a physical relationship that is almost expected. I agree that this low-budget film is very deep though quiet. Coppola is deserving of all the awards received for this film.
30. samuel ashton 10.18.22 / 4pm

    I really liked your review of this film. I think you did well to analyze how the character’s actions spoke louder than their words. Although Bob and Charlotte form a romantic relationship, nothing really happens in this film. The story is merely about their awkward relationship. The two characters meet at a bad time and place in their lives, where the only uplifting element of their days is the connection they share. Charlotte is confined to her hotel while her husband is gone for work. While Bob seems to be suffering from a mid-life crisis. The film was set up in a way where you could tell from the start that these two strangers would meet and form something meaningful.
31. Alan Castillo 03.30.23 / 2pm

    Hey Chloe,

    It sounds like you had a great experience watching Lost in Translation and were able to appreciate its subtleties and complexities. This is personally one of my favorite films, because of the universal themes it’s grounded to such as loneliness, connection, and finding oneself. Clearly you have a similar appreciation of the simplicity of the storytelling and acting, noting how the characters’ thoughts and emotions are conveyed through their gestures and expressions. The relationship between Bob and Charlotte is portrayed in a way that feels genuine and relatable Overall, your review is a great tribute to the film’s ability to capture the complexities of life and the struggles of finding oneself.
32. Nathaniel Johnstone 04.15.23 / 7pm

    Hi Chloe,
    I really liked your review of Lost in Translation and specifically how you touched on how descriptive the movie is barely using any words. The movie really is able to get so much across without saying practically anything yet telling us so much about the characters through facial expressions, music, and design. Another thing I thought you did well touching on was how it felt like you knew what the characters were thinking in their heads. It was almost like you could see exactly what they were thinking but not to the point where everything was predictable, rather just to the point where you could understand the character’s deeper feelings.
33. Jazmine Valladares 07.01.23 / 9pm

    Your review was spot on fantastic! I agree with you, within the first 15 minutes of this film you understand quiet a good amount about the characters. Especially with its evocative cinematography and introspective script, “Lost in Translation” is a transcendent and unforgettable cinematic experience that sweeps you away on a tidal wave of emotions.
34. Humberto Ibarra 10.09.23 / 1pm

    Lost In Translation directed by Sofia Coppola is well though out screen play of two lost souls trying to find their way back into their reality with the companionship of each other. The mise-en-scene of the beautiful night life of Tokyo contributes to the romantic relationship that the characters Bob and Charlotte develop is out of the ordinary. Not having much to say to each other but feel connected when they both look at each other is the unity that exposes us between them. Facial expressions, music, and ambience expresses the characters. Well said when you mentioned that Coppola developed a lingering element in the film.
35. Isaac Marshall 10.17.23 / 6pm

    When I first watched “Lost in Translation”, I was shocked by how much I enjoyed the cinematography and plot development. Chloe does an amazing job capturing how Sophia Coppola guides the characters development without a shared language between them and the people around themselves. Bob and Charlotte, the two main characters, develop a relationship throughout the story that keeps the audience intrigued. Even though they are both in a foreign country, they find each other bumping into one another many times and eventually start exploring the city together. Overall, Chloe captures the mise-en-scene of the film as well as defining the film’s narrative very well.
36. Paulina Sanchez 10.18.23 / 3pm

    The film, Lost in Translation, was beautifully crafted. During the beginning, we get glimpses of the lives of Bob and Charlotte. Then we see a pattern being fulfilled of the two characters developing a friendship with one another. Then eventually, something more starts to develop…something charismatic between the two characters. I like the way you described how the two got along with each other. You dissected the way this film was put together, including the setting. I did not think about the setting as much as the characters, but your description helps me appreciate the setting of Tokyo much more. It is indeed a city of textures that really give in to the story. It can also be concluded that in an unfamiliar place, two can still find warmth and familiarity within each other. Great post.

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