I think the actor performances and cinematography of this film are great, but the message behind is really bad. Basically, it is a film making fun of the Japanese' poor command of English-- see the gags, they're basically around this-- which might be funny to the western audience-- you can see why all nominations for film awards are from the west. I am not from the west, but understand all the gags, and laughed too, but you know, that's sheer cruel! Seriously, not funny at all! I am sure this film won't receive the same admiration in Asia. It's so easy to see the feeling of cultural superiority of the west in the film. I am not Japanese either, but I feel angry about this spirit behind the film, and I am sure the Japanese would be even more furious, unless they internalise the fact that they are culturally inferior.