There seems to be some confusion over whether this is supposed to be watched without english subtitles for the Japanese dialogue or not. My DVD had subtitles (though not by default - they had to be switched on), but I'd be interested to know exactly how Jarmusch intended it to be seen.
shareThe copy I just viewed didn't even have the option. I imagine, given Jarmusch's minimalist perspective on dialogue and composition, that these were not necessary or implied, nut as subsequent versions of the film were released people were more interested in the unknown dialogue.
shareIt seems the director-approved Criterion release does have subtitles, so it sounds like it was supposed to be seen that way. Makes sense to me - those two had the best dialogue in the film.
shareThe original MGM DVD release has subtitles ... but only in Spanish and French. I don't remember if I originally saw this on VHS or cable but I know I've seen it with English subtitles. The Criterion disc has English subtitles, yes ?
Repetition is funny. Why ? Because repetition is funny.
I can't imagine watching it without subtitles. The Japanese dialogue is what makes this film great.
Minimalist perspective is just *beep* Obviously Jim Jarmusch didn't write excellent and intricate dialogue for no one (except the Japanese) to understand it.
If the criterion release has subtitles and that one is director approved then that settles it. Releasing this without proper subtitling is just ignorant.
My voting history: http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=21703251
Yes, I remember that it did. Would have been one-third incomprehensible otherwise.
share