12 Great Films Where Little Action Occurs

      Here are 12 outstanding films where not much transpires… or does it?

      There’s a lack of car chases, murders, explicit scenes, or explosions.

      Yet, lives undergo subtle transformations.

      **Lost in Translation (2003)**

      Focus Features – Credit: C/O

      In a Tokyo hotel, newlywed Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) meets weary actor Bob (Bill Murray). They converse and indulge in karaoke. The atmosphere is both melancholic and beautifully radiant.

      We wonder if they might leave their spouses, but we ultimately feel relieved that they don't. Sofia Coppola’s *Lost in Translation* celebrates fleeting, profound encounters that we may never experience again, and perhaps shouldn't.

      In the finale, Bob locates Charlotte in a crowd. They connect with their eyes, share an embrace, and he whispers something inaudible. Their kiss feels more like a friendship than anything romantic.

      **The Power of the Dog (2021)**

      Netflix

      Jane Campion's drama appeared to be a strong contender for Best Picture in 2022, ultimately overshadowed by *CODA* in a unique, Covid-affected year.

      At first glance, it presents a slow, reflective narrative about a widow (Kirsten Dunst), her considerate suitor and future husband (Jesse Plemons), her effeminate, intellectual son (Kodi Smit-McPhee), and her cruel brother-in-law (Benedict Cumberbatch).

      For much of the film, it feels like we're witnessing a sensitive Western, possibly revisiting the contemporary theme of "toxic masculinity." However, by the conclusion, we recognize it’s been a different, more ruthless tale than we initially perceived. It executes a notable, clever genre shift, earning our respect.

      **Dazed and Confused (1993)**

      Gramercy Pictures – Credit: Gramercy Pictures

      The quintessential hangout movie, *Dazed and Confused* chronicles a group of high schoolers on graduation night as they drive around and plan to attend a party at the Moontower. There’s fighting, bullying, flirting, and some destroyed mailboxes. Football star Randall “Pink” Floyd (Jason London) faces a decision on signing a pledge against drugs.

      And that’s essentially it. No deaths, no explosions, and no monumental heists. Yet, it remains a source of pure joy, launching the careers of Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, and Matthew McConaughey. Quentin Tarantino has even cited it as his favorite film of the 90s.

      *Dazed and Confused* is among several deceptively simple films by Richard Linklater, where ordinary days and nights emerge as some of the most memorable experiences of our lives.

      And speaking of Tarantino…

      **Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)**

      Sony Pictures Releasing

      This slice-of-life film centers on real actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), her struggling actor neighbor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), and Dalton’s friend-stuntman-assistant Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt).

      The narrative leisurely follows three days of their lives — including a moment where we accompany Sharon on a solo trip to the movies — but writer-director Quentin Tarantino understands that the plot doesn’t require much movement…

      … because we’re tense the entire time, anticipating the horrific event we know befell the real Sharon Tate. Waiting for its on-screen arrival. Appalled.

      There are minor bursts of violence before the climactic finale, as Cliff confronts both Bruce Lee (Mike Moh) and Tex Watson (Austin Butler).

      And when the grim conclusion arrives… it is unexpectedly not what we anticipated.

      **Perfect Days (2023)**

      Koji Yakusho and Arisa Nakano in *Perfect Days*. DCM

      The latest film on our list, *Perfect Days* follows a Tokyo bathroom custodian named Hirayama (Kōji Yakusho) as he navigates his simple daily life, enriched by mix tapes, good books, and photography.

      It’s a mesmerizing film about finding joy in an apparently basic existence. New people enter his life who may seem destined to create significant change, but he finds comfort in his routines.

      Its impressive credentials include its premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d’Or, winning the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury and the Best Actor Award for Yakusho. It was also nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.

      **Before Sunset (2004)**

      Warner Independent Pictures

      Another Linklater film, this one is a sequel to the charming *Before Sunrise*, which could also belong on this list. Jesse and Celine (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who co-write with Linklater and Kim Krizan) reunite in Paris nearly a decade after their night together in Vienna in *Before Sunrise*.

      Jesse has penned a book about that evening