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● Movie Guide · Last updated May 13, 2026

Lost in Translation: Plot, Cast, Ending & Where to Watch

2003 · United Kingdom · Drama, Comedy, Romance · 1h 42m · Japanese

Lost in Translation is a 2003 United Kingdom drama film directed by Sofia Coppola. This guide covers the plot, full cast, an overview of the ending, where to watch, and similar films you might want next.

Read Ending Explained → Movies Like Lost in Translation Where to Watch
DramaComedyRecommended
Original Title
Lost in Translation
Director
Sofia Coppola
Writers
Sofia Coppola
Country
United Kingdom
Runtime
1h 42m
Release
Sep 18, 2003
§ 01 Plot · 6 min read

Lost in Translation Plot Summary

Lost in Translation is a 2003 romantic comedy drama film written and directed by Sofia Coppola. Bill Murray stars as Bob Harris, a fading American movie star who is having a midlife crisis when he travels to Tokyo to promote Suntory whisky. He befriends another disillusioned American, Charlotte, a recent college graduate and married for two years. Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris, and Fumihiro Hayashi are also featured. The film explores themes of alienation and disconnection against a backdrop of cultural displacement in Japan. It does not use mainstream narrative conventions and is atypical in its depiction of romance.

● Quick takeaway

Two lost souls visiting Tokyo -- the young, neglected wife of a photographer and a washed-up movie star shooting a TV commercial -- find an odd solace and pensive freedom to be…

§ 02 Cast · 6 roles

Cast and Characters

Bill Murray headshot
Bill Murray
as Bob Harris
Plays Bob Harris.
Scarlett Johansson headshot
Scarlett Johansson
as Charlotte
Plays Charlotte.
Giovanni Ribisi headshot
Giovanni Ribisi
as John
Plays John.
Anna Faris headshot
Anna Faris
as Kelly
Plays Kelly.
Akiko Takeshita headshot
Akiko Takeshita
as Ms. Kawasaki
Plays Ms. Kawasaki.
Kazuyoshi Minamimagoe headshot
Kazuyoshi Minamimagoe
as Press Agent
Plays Press Agent.
§ 03 · Spoiler Zone · Read with care

Ending Overview

How does Lost in Translation end? Our spoiler-aware breakdown walks through the final act beat by beat — including the choices, motivations, and ambiguous final shot that viewers most often debate.

Read full Ending Explained →
§ 04 Watch · Updated May 13

Where to Watch Lost in Translation

Availability may vary by region and change over time.

A
Amazon Video
Rent
● Available
G
Google Play Movies
Rent
● Available
Y
YouTube
Rent
● Available
A
Amazon Video
Buy
● Available
View all regions & options →
§ 06

Frequently Asked

What is Lost in Translation about?

Two lost souls visiting Tokyo -- the young, neglected wife of a photographer and a washed-up movie star shooting a TV commercial -- find an odd solace and pensive freedom to be real in each other's company, away from their lives in America.

Where can I watch Lost in Translation?

See the Where to Watch section below for the current streaming, rental, and purchase options in your region.