Found in translation

I saw Big Dreams, Little Tokyo at the Movie Museum this past weekend. As someone who has edited many translations and who works for a journal that focuses on the Asia-Pacific region, I found much in it to appreciate and enjoy.

Big Dreams was directed by Dave Boyle, who also plays the main character, Boyd Wilson. Boyd is a young man who is not Japanese but who is fluent in the language and has the mannerisms and traits of a Japanese stereotype, including an obsequious manner and a determination to make a success of himself.

Set in Japantown in California, the film revolves around Boyd’s inability to get people to take him seriously as a translator, bilingual teacher, and author of a book titled The Power of Words. When the film starts, he has been failing for a while. His desire to succeed is as strong as his nature is subservient, however, and the two push and pull him throughout the film. A subplot involves Jerome, Boyd’s roommate and a Japanese American guy with a burning desire–but little promise–to become a sumo wrestler. The two are losers who are trying to make their dreams come true.

Big Dreams is funny, smart, and witty, and though Boyd is nerdy and clumsy, he eventually wins our sympathy and our admiration. We are cheering for him as he attempts Olympic leaps over the obstacles in his path.

_________________________________