1. NedRyerson1

   9

   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.… Expand

   • Helpful? 3 of 3 users said Yes.
2. pgmark

   8

   Been a while since I have seen this but I remember I liked it so much I want to watch it again now. I'm so glad they didn't feel like they had to have some flying karate master in here with a sword. Beautifully done and acted!… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.
3. mumbo

   5

   ziyi zhang is a mediocre actress at best and is not respected at all in china, unlike gong li who is. Ziyi zhang is only famous for her looks (which arent that fantastic either)… Expand

   • Helpful? 1 of 2 users said Yes.
4. TyroneMovieman

   3

   The film is well acted, over-dramatic, and is a visual masterpiece. But the Hollywood soap opera based on a Japanese story overrun with a badly spoken English screenplay using Chinese actors is unavoidably silly. The film disserves to be honored for its superb visual costumes, make-up and design, but unfortunately that is it.… Expand

   • Helpful? 2 of 4 users said Yes.

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