I really disliked this film for its concentration on the only showing a seamy and oddball side of Japanese life. How Hollywood would have complained if the film was made in reverse with Sunset Boulevard and all its downtown grubbiness was shown in the background. I did think that Murray's character had this sort of cynical depth, a desire not to engage with japan and just get the heck out of there as soon as possible. I have now seen Scarlett Johannson in both her major films and she must surely start demanding roles with an adequate volume of words, the knowing looks can not always be relied on to convey her feelings in the film. Perhaps, we could have a "Lost in Translation" film working against the seamy side of US life for all our interests.