Alice
This film describes two people who came from different country met in Japan and faced
the culture difference. Bob, an old-fashioned actor, left his wife and children temporary to
shot a commercial in Tokyo. Although he was treated as big movie star, he still felt he
didn’t belong to here. Scarlett whose husband is a workaholic always felt lonely in this
unacquainted place. In this strange place, everyone wants to meet a bosom friend, who
could really understand you. In this film, we can discuss three parts: language barrier,
indifference toward foreigner, culture difference.
In Tokyo, the first challenges to them were language barrier. Bob had difficulty in
communicate with Japanese. For example, while working, Bob and director didn’t really
understand each other’s opinion. Even if there was a translator helped them to
communicate with each other, they didn’t have a real communication. Because Bob
didn’t understand Japanese, he didn’t know how to use the running apparatus. It made
him faced a confounded problem.
Second, Japanese are indifferent to foreigners. When Bob and Scarlett went to the
hospital, doctor instead of trying to translate the symptom in English, he explained in
Japanese. Another example is when Bob and Scarlett went to the hot pot store, the
waitress didn’t explain toward dishes in menu. She just gave them menu, taking their
orders.
Third, there was a culture difference. The most interested part in this movie is that
when Bob was in the elevator, he was the tallest man in the elevator. It indicated that he
didn’t belong to the society, and felt helpless. Not only taking a shower but also using a
gillette, he wasn’t accustomed to Japanese culture. In these small details, we can learn the
difference between Japan and America.
Bob and Scarlett met each other in strange land, Tokyo, found sense of belonging
from each other, which filled their empty soul, making their life happier. Although they
weren’t together in the end, their meet by chance will bear in their mind deeply. (340)