Review of Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) by Matthew D — 05 Jun 2018

The most moving romance tale ever told.

Director Rob Marshall brings old Japan to life in his stunning movie masterpiece. Every shot is iconic and gorgeous. Memoirs of a Geisha is a masterclass in beautiful filmmaking. You have never seen another movie like it. Memoirs of a Geisha is touching on a deeper level.

Thematically, viewers are gifted a thoughtful depiction of cruelty and kindness. We see the value of perseverance in the face of adversity. The audience is forced to grasp the life of a young girl that must deal with enslavement, poverty, starvation, abuse, rape, and cruelty. The girl that transforms into a geisha. She only wishes for kindness and love in a difficult world. I am still quite moved by Memoirs of a Geisha's sentiments.

Notably, actress Ziyi Zhang portrays the geisha Sayuri beautifully. She is stunning as the transcendental geisha figure, while also conveying pain and loneliness like you've never seen. Zhang delivers her greatest performance as an actress in Memoirs of a Geisha. She makes for a compelling heroine. She is absolutely breathtaking and heartbreaking. You feel such sympathy for her desperately sad situation. Zhang is immortalized in her incredible roles in Asian cinema rightfully so. Ziyi Zhang embodies melancholy, longing, and sorrow in Memoirs of a Geisha.

Furthermore. Gong Li is one of cinema's most cruel villains as the rival geisha Hatsumomo. Her contempt for Sayuri is palpable due to Li's devastatingly evil performance. She plays Hatsumomo as more than mean, but quite heinously vindictive. Her depravity falls to new depths due to her jealousy. Gong Li will be remembered for her complex acting as the ever envious Hatsumomo.

Additionally, Memoirs of a Geisha contains several excellent supporting roles from this superb cast. Ken Watanabe is so kindly as the Chairman. Michelle Yeoh is steadfast is realistic as the nurturing Mameha. Koji Yakusho is multi-faceted as the principled Nobu. Youki Kudoh is cute and conniving as Pumpkin. Lastly, I must mention Suzuka Ohgo, who portrayed Sayuri as a child still named Chiyo. Ohgo is so expressive and skilled even as a young girl. An impressive ensemble all around.

Not to mention the gorgeous intricate makeup throughout Memoirs of a Geisha. The attention to detail in the outfits is astonishing. Memoirs of a Geisha's aesthetics are mesmerizing. Memoirs of a Geisha also features the best use of eyes contacts in cinema history. Ziyi Zhang's eyes radiate a translucent blue. You are helplessly captivated by every glance she looks in the movie.

Finally, John Williams composed the most lovely score for Memoirs of a Geisha. In his illustrious career, Williams still manages another fresh soundtrack swelling with sentiment and compassion. Memoirs of a Geisha's score is already legendary for its ability to make the audience empathize with these characters. Williams proves his mastery of sound once again.

Overall, Memoirs of a Geisha is worth watching. It is a beautiful romance and an engaging drama. Japan of that era was recreated by Rob Marshall's stellar direction with his crew's pretty costumes and stunning set design. Memoirs of a Geisha must not be missed!