Job Discussion Forums

[Gordon]

BAFTA Is that like NAFTA with a B?

[rj]

BAFTA--British Academy of Film and Television Arts

[Gordon]

Thanks, I'd never heard of it before.

[Tricky Woo]

[shmooj]

[James_T_Kirk]

[travelgoddess]

For me the movie was an inside look at being an outsider in such a different culture. I really appreciated how she took this on, most people have a tendency to get all icky sweet when they do travel related works and tell the same story: went to foreign country, met amazing man/woman, learned about teh culture and changed my life forever. But there is a period where culture shock is strong and isolating. Yes, you get past it, but it exists. Thats what this movie was for me. As for the stereotypes, I have never been to Japan, but I am living in Taiwan now teaching...dont get me started on that one!

D

[khmerhit]

And how do you feel about Taiwan, travelgoddess?

[Wolf]

[travelgoddess]

How do I feel about Taiwan? That is a post for another time and another place. Let's just say that right now I am looking forward to leaving ...in 6 months!!!!!!!!!!!
D

[nolefan]

I am surprised at all of your comments to say the least! My wife and I both enjoyed the movie even though we were left with a feeling of "quoi?" at the end!!!

I loved the whole "lost in translation" concept becaue I live it everyday!!!! a 5 mn conversation gets translated to me as "maybe" or "no" or god knows what else and I am asking myself how can you say so much and mean so litte?

[ntropy]

I loved the movie. For me it wasn't about Japan, culture shock or anything to do with being in a foreign country. It could have been set anywhere. All that was just a catalyst to make the two main characters think of their most important relationships and how little connection they really had with the people who were supposed to be the most important ones in their lives

[Lynn]

[nomadder]

I liked it. Felt really nostalgic so that means it must have been a realistic portrayal. Except for a few parts. It wouldn�t be the same if you�ve never lived in Japan I suspect.

As for this racism thing. Ironically I doubt the concept even exists in Japan. Putting down non First World countries is commonplace. Frankly it�s refreshing that at least they speak their minds even if sometimes it�s too much of a negative stereotype. At least you know what they think and can agree or disagree.

I�ve always cringed when people say "That�s racist." First of all it�s meant to curb free speech. Think it, don�t say it. Secondly it�s subtly saying you think you�re better than the group/place the comment is about. Also just because a person/place is poorer/less educated/less desirable in some way, etc does that make them perfect and immune to the barrage of crap the rest of us "perfect people" can take?

No sad cries of racism and stereotyping appear when the almight US is put down. Why? Because deep down it is assumed that they can take it as really they are somehow better or it�s OK to put down those with more-money, glamour or whatever it is.

Just came from Honduras and I�m not afraid to say I hated the place. Well the scenery was nice but the people....scammers, dummies-can�t even get out of their own way. Was told by people working there that they don�t have any self respect or dignity. Yes sure there were some nice people but overall the place was creepy, weird. Lots of other poor countries have more pride and class. IN Nicaragua now and even though it�s poorer, there�s a better feeling in the air. OK where are all you Honduran lovers?

As for stereotypes-pretty hard to make a movie without them somewhat. They do exist and anyone who doesn�t think so is fooling themself. Note: they represent a type but not every single person in that group. There are always exceptions yet many of us see the group in the same way. Psychology of human processing.

[Li-ka]

I saw this movie a month ago I think. I've been planning to come to Japan since last September and had encountered people who saw the movie at three different interviews I attended for teaching in Japan. Every person who had something to say said that it was an accurate representation of their time in Japan. So, I'm thinking... I have to see this movie. My bf and I finally get ahold of it after our interviews (and no, the English version doesn't have Japanese subtitles) and it made me leery of my decision to go to Japan. I cannot understand what the people are saying, or why the prostitute woman is flipping out, or why the photographer is rambling on and on and on, or what the woman in the hospital asked. I'm sorry if the movie did make a lot of prejudices and stereotypes about Japanese. But I don't really feel Bill Murry was overly rude... I was saying the same thing in my head. "Are you SURE that's all he said?" "LIP your stockings?"

Anywho... the movie didn't rank high in my book. But it probably was a better way of getting me to realize what culture shock will be like (I come in August!) than anything anyone on a forum can say. (But thanks guys for your all your wonderful input (c: I'm taking it all more seriously after watching the movie. )