Review of Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) by Nedryerson1 — 16 Feb 2012

Memoirs of a Geisha is a special movie because of two things, first is not a stereotype love story, and it shows very accurately a piece of Japanese culture.

Starting by the love story, here we see an orphan girl taken against her will to an okiya in order to become a geisha, looking for something that she cannot have, true love. In this point is where this sentimental story stands apart from the rest. When talking about a geisha, we refer to a person with the purpose of entertaining a man, but without falling in love.

The illustration of the Japanese culture in this film is also significant, some concepts that demonstrate it are: first, the ability and capacity of improving life are determinate by the year of birth and the element that rules a person. Then we have the idea of making everything a ritual, putting aside the routine. Finally, the special meaning that gives the Japanese nation to the geishas; who are known as artist not prostitutes, and selling their skills not their body. This idea evolved with the years, until the war starts; with the arrival of the American troops the materialism is unleashed and the ancient culture is corrupted.

With strong performances by Zhang Ziyi (highlighting the scene of the presentation as a geisha), Ken Watanabe, Koji Yakusho and Gong Li, this film treats a beautiful and mysterious subject, accompanied by an amazing screenplay and overwhelming music. It is unbelievable that a Hollywood production could capture a bit of the oriental culture.