Review of Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) by Terhi T — 26 Apr 2010

This is one of those movies you should watch before you read the book. It is so beautiful and addictive. The way that they start it in a foreign language before converting to English really lets you have a sense of where they are. It doesn't just jump to English though, it slowly gets there but not so slow you don't want to follow anymore. They start to speak English and some words you wonder if they aren't still speaking Japanese then you realize that they aren't and you don't have to try so hard anymore to figure it out. I am horrible at explaining that but you should watch it you will see what I mean.

The colors and costumes were absolutely fabulous! I love the culture in this movie, and the attention to detail. Yes, they did modernize a few things, but this isn't suppose to be a documentary so it's ok. This movie makes you fall in love with the characters and are so easy to relate to, as an American white girl, it is hard to think that I can relate but the truth is, we all feel a little if not a lot like at least one of these characters.

Now as to why I say watch the movie first. I am a strong believer in leaving the best for last, and the book is better. It may not have pictures but the movie gives you something to play off of. The movie is quite different from the book. One of the main differences is that the movie creates this ideal ending, while in the book it is more realistic with its ending. The book describes a geisha's life more to the historical guidelines then the movie. A geisha's life is more hard then the movie portrays. I think if you read the book first it may start you off with a sense of disappointment in the movie before you get the chance to see the beauty in it. If you do read the book first, I hope that you will not be toooooo critical and at least see the art in the movie.

Definitely one of my favorite movies if not the top, I haven't decided yet =) I have watched it many times, and I never get tired of it. You should definitely watch this movie!