Memoirs of a Geisha Review
I normally wouldn’t review something like this, only because most people will not see it until it comes out on video. But the deal is, this movie is gorgeous. I mean, the cinematography is beautiful. You really are in awe of the world of the geisha. And not only does that include the beauty of the surroundings. But everything about this movie is gorgeous. The music is very closely woven with the film, and as such, is pretty, and calming. Then you have the dialogue, which is very poetic. It flows very well from the lips of each of the actors and actresses in this film. Plus, the film consists of some of the most beautiful orientals I have ever seen. And it makes sense as to why it would be this way. Because this is about Geisha and all of the upper class citizens that would be able to afford a geisha, then it has to be the best looking people for the job. I can completely see why Ziyi Zhang was cast as the most beautiful and revered geisha in all of Japan. I mean, she is absolutely breathtaking. And as it is referenced so many times in the film, it is her eyes that make her that way. There is a certain amount of naivety that comes from her eyes that does not do so from the other actresses in this film. Now, one thing that caused an uproar from the asian community is that many of the actresses in this Japanese film are Chinese. I, personally don’t see the problem. But then, I am not from either of those cultures, so the line is somewhat blurred. But I see it in the same light as casting many canadians, australians, and british in roles that talk about the United States history. Because there is a similarity, then there is no problem for most people to suspend their disbelief in seeing these people as the genuine articles that were in place during the period. But Ziyi Zhang (or Zhang Ziyi, according to which hemisphere you are from) is really the best person for this role. I mean, she is a great actress and does a marvelous job. I really couldn’t imagine another actress in this role. She has done a magnificent job in every role I have ever seen her in. From Hero to Crouching Tiger, she is amazing, and I only wish that I spoke the languages that she does so that I could get the full effect of her speech without reading subtitles, so I could see how well she speaks her lines in her native language instead of having to force her words into English or read the words below. In this film there are no subtitles, but it is still not the same effect as hearing her speak in chinese. I would definitely recommend this film if you have ever been interested in the japanese culture. I give this film a 6 out of 10. I would give it higher, but it is not for everyone, but if you like it, then you will like it.