Your LiT Traditions.

[PAUL_UK]

I was just wondering how many of you guys out there have your own traditions for when you watch LIT. I think that a film like this can affect us on such a level that when we choose to watch it can be a very personal thing.

As for myself; I always try to watch it when I get more than 4-5 days off of work in a row. I wait until the middle of the night (when I first saw LIT), make a huge cup of tea, and sit through the film with no distraction. I never go to bed before the sun is coming up on those nights.

For me this is an odd time of reflection and solitude. I don't tell anybody that im watching it (my wife asleep in our bedroom remains oblivious) but its one of my most personal activities and traditions, a type of self preservation perhaps?

[TokyoGirl]

I also like to watch it very late at night. In fact I don't think I've ever watched it in the day.

I also watched it the day before going to Japan (both times) and the day after I returned... it's a weird thing, I felt like I needed to be absorbed in it, before I went, to prepare and after I returned to make it last that bit longer.

[Pitman]

Yes. I always watch it late at night when I can sleep in the next morning. I like to have the menu running in the background for a while as an appetizer. I usually have something Japanese during the movie like Sake or Sapporo. And sometimes make sushi beforehand too.

I must be up to around 55 viewings now.

I remember my first 10 times I used to get that kick in the stomach at the end. But now, I watch it out of comfort and familiarity. It feels good. It's an event.

[preciouswhile]

I almost always watch it in the dark with headphones on and the volume somewhat high. The ambient noise and music are both great in this movie and I feel more immersed.

And I agree that it's more of an emotional event - not a just a simple movie viewing. I usually have to be in that state of tired restlessness that can only happen late at night.

[hitori]

@pitman - Hah! Since I converted all my dvds to digital for streaming, I'd forgotten how much I liked doing that, specifically with the LIT intro.

Like most I watch it only at night, I have four kids and can't imagine enjoying it during the day. Thankfully my wife enjoys the movie, and doesn't mind my now at least monthly-ritual of watching LIT.

Also, pitman I know what you mean about that kick-in-the-stomach. To me, now and likely with all future views, the look on Bob's face when he gets back into the taxi, and that quick glance into Charlotte's unsteady but hopeful expression leave me feeling a sense of closure that both characters obviously needed (can't you just hear that snare drum kicking in, reminding you everything is going to be ok? The music selection to scene blending in this movie are just wonderful).

Well, now I know what I'm doing tonight! Have a great weekend all

[Bob_san]

This is a great topic and I've enjoyed reading everyone's replies!

I always watch it late at night after the family has gone to bed but on a weekend when I don't have to get up early the next day! I often rewind and play over my favorites scenes 2 or 3 times.

[Too Young]

I always like watching it very late at night from about 1am onwards.
I watch it alone usually with a nice glass of bourbon. Something about the dark quiet nights really adds to the atmosphere of the the viewing experience.
It's a wonderful.

Also I'm new - let's get some activity going back here as we approach the films 10 year anniversary

[Bob_san]

Also I'm new - let's get some activity going back here as we approach the films 10 year anniversary

Welcome and yes excellent idea!

[vlps]

it's a very personal movie for me as well. I watch it in the dark, sound loud as well. I've seen it probably around 10 times now. I try to watch it once every few months (first viewing having been in 2012).

[Duguesclin]

I like that film so much even after more than 10 years and even more that I try not to see it so often I would like to do it. That movie is always with me somehow and I use related music to feel the Tokyos night again and again..I guess that will never stop , I hope...The thing is that I saw it for some years ago and got it from a friend for some months ago..This time I could probably feel it much better...most probably because my age closer to Bob, no doubt...

[samwright8380]

I've always watched this film alone. I used to watch it late at night whilst drinking bourbon (this is nearly ten years ago or so). I suppose it would add to the jetlagged feeling. Nowadays I prefer to play it before the sun has fully risen. Usually by the time it finishes the skies are clear but the world hasn't fully gone about it's business. I've had a blu ray player for some time but still play it on hd-dvd.

[tpl89]

Like many of you, I watch it alone and at night...

[Emma]

Similar to others' experiences, I also choose to watch Lost in Translation at night, by myself. Recently, I've decided to listen with big, plush, noise-cancelling headphones. It really adds to the experience, and makes me feel slightly more connected to Charlotte, who wears headphones of her own throughout the film ...

As the film celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this year, I decided to ring in 2018 with it. I started it just after midnight -- in Japan time zone, that is! -- with a comfortable pillow and a chilled glass of Suntory whisky. One of my favorite viewing experiences.

[redleader74]

I haven't watched it in its entirety for a while now. Mostly I'll just watch scenes, or play it in the background like music as I'm doing something else. It's not a long movie (I wish it was even longer) and like a fine whiskey or other spirit, you drink it sparingly so as not to use it all up at once. The last time I watched it from start to finish (and not as background music) was during our first trip to Japan in 2016, on our last night in the Park Hyatt Tokyo, my wife and I ordered room service and watched it over our meal, in our room, against the backdrop of the brilliant and haunting Tokyo evening skyline out our room window.

[Emma]

The last time I watched it from start to finish (and not as background music) was during our first trip to Japan in 2016, on our last night in the Park Hyatt Tokyo, my wife and I ordered room service and watched it over our meal, in our room, against the backdrop of the brilliant and haunting Tokyo evening skyline out our room window.

That sounds absolutely magical.

[redleader74]

The last time I watched it from start to finish (and not as background music) was during our first trip to Japan in 2016, on our last night in the Park Hyatt Tokyo, my wife and I ordered room service and watched it over our meal, in our room, against the backdrop of the brilliant and haunting Tokyo evening skyline out our room window.

That sounds absolutely magical.

Yes, it was both magical....but also very sad...the same kind of sad in the final scene of the movie or actually, the scene of the night before when Bob & Charlotte are outside of the hotel during the fire alarm, when both realize that the fantasy was about to end and that they would wake up back in their real lives after that awfully beautiful dream.