Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
Based on the book by Arthur Golden, "Memoirs of a Geisha" is about Nitta Sayuri as she reveals how she transcended from her fishing-village roots to become one of Japan's most celebrated geisha. Sayuri is brought to a Geisha house after being sold by her father as a young girl, there she is introduced to Hatsumomo, the top Geisha of the household, who is an over-competitive superb**ch. Eventually, when Sayuri reaches her teens, she is drafted by her mentor Mameha--one of the city's best known Geisha, played by Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Sayuri becomes determined to make a name for herself among the Geisha and attract a man called Chairman, played by Academy Award® nominee Ken Watanabe (The Last Samurai), who she's had feelings for since she was a child. Everything about this picture was awesome, the writing, the acting, the directing and cinematography, the production design. It's tough to say what aspect of the movie actually MAKES the picture. Leading actress Ziyi Zhang (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) did an outstanding job as Sayuri; however, her unspoken performance was far more impressive than her line deliveries. The best performance of the picture came from Hong Kong's acting superstar Gong Li (Raise the Red Lantern) as the Geisha rival Hatsumomo From the moment her character was introduced, she commanded her role from beginning to end. Her character was later developed in the writing, and with a well-rounded inner conflict, Li's growth of the character was jaw dropping. I love this woman and want to bear her children. The most remote possible thing I can think of that could be better about this picture is the final scene. It may have been thrown at us a little too fast, wrapped up nice and easy; however, the ending was inevitable. There was no where else to go with the story, so they went there and rolled the credits. Oh well. Rob Marshall did a fantastic job in the movie's concept of showing us the life of a Geisha as Sayuri was learning it. We grew with the character as she learned about this lifestyle. By the way, if you have ANY questions about what Geishas do with their life, this movie will answer each and every one. Overall, this movie is one of the best of the year, if not THE best I've seen so far (Dec 24, 2005). It was beautifully shot, beautifully acted and gripping with a very solid concept. I love Gong Li. I am going to tattoo her face on my chest with the slogan "I'm her b**ch!" She elevated this movie greatly, and I love her for it. She has a body of work that rivals any other foreign actor I've seen, in my opinion, and THIS one is one of her best roles. Personally, I don't care Marshall used Chinese actors to play Japanese roles. That's what you call acting. Liam Neeson, an Irishman, played Oscar Schindler, a German. Russell Crowe, an Aussie, has played John Nash AND James J Braddock, both American heroes. Rene Zellweger, a Texan, played Bridget Jones, one of England's most popular characters of the modern literature, so what's the big deal? There is none. Hands down, this predominantly Chinese cast kicked a** in their roles, and they deserve every accolade available. Good for them, and good for director Marshall for casting them. Go see "Memoirs of a Geisha!" Benn - Where's the Humanity?
This is the best movie about Japanese culture, performed by a superb cast of Chinese actors.