On a basic level , they are lost in the alien Japanese culture .
In addition to the meaning and detail lost in the translation of the director 's words , the two central characters in the film -- Bob and Charlotte -- are also lost in other ways .
On a basic level , characters are lost in the alien Japanese culture .
In addition to the meaning and detail lost in the translation of the director 's words , the two central characters in the film -- Bob and Charlotte -- are also lost in other ways .