Memoirs of a Geisha

User Rating

Current user rating: 91/100 (115 votes)

You need to enable JavaScript to vote

Profile

Movie: Memoirs of a Geisha
Romaji: Sayuri
Japanese:
Director: Rob Marshall
Writer: Robin Swicord, Arthur Golden (book)
Producer: Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum, Bobby Cohen
Cinematography: Dion Beebe
Release Date: November 29, 2005
Runtime: 145 min.
Language: Japanese
Country: Japan

Cast

Zhang Ziyi - Chiyo / Sayuri
Suzuka Ohgo - Young Chiyo
Michelle Yeoh - Mameha
Ken Watanabe - The Chairman
Koji Yakusho - Nobu
Youki Kudoh - Pumpkin
Gong Li - Hatsumomo
Kaori Momoi - Mother
Tsai Chin - Auntie
Zoe Weizenbaum - Young Pumpkin
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa - The Baron
Kenneth Tsang - The General
Randall Duk Kim - Dr. Crab
Ted Levine - Colonel Derricks
Paul Adelstein - Lieutenant Hutchins
Samantha Futerman - Satsu

Comments

simmi maurya Nov 10 2015 12:40 pm one of best movie ever made, based on a great book!!.....it gave me a thrill!!....as its cinematography was so excellant that, its no wonder it won academy award for it....though it deserved more awards...i first read the book about this beautifull culture n had visioned it in my brain and to my jubiliant surprise the movie is very close to it...ever since then it is my one of the favourite movie!!....the leading actors were absolutely great n did the justice with their art!!...itz .a visual masterpiece!!!.....so plz fella don't miss it......love from India.

Susu Aug 30 2014 7:40 am This is the most unfairly maligned film of the year. Some critics took it upon themselves to be the defenders of Japanese culture (without fully researching their arguments) and, in the process, betrayed their own racism. "The film is inauthentic because the actresses do not wear matronly bouffants," one said. Riiiiiight. Matronly bouffants are a Western stereotype! But in any case, some of them do and some don't! THAT'S authenticity. I guess critics wouldn't know that writing reviews without seeing the film or walking out long before it's over (some, such as Jeff Wells, do).

Anyway, it's a fantastic film and more than deserving of multiple Academy award nominations - which it may not get thanks to the fact that so many people decided they wanted to use the film as the sacrificial lamb for a half-baked debate about international politics, rather consider that pan-Asian casting for major roles is NOTHING new (it's true of House of Flying Daggers, The Joy Luck Club and even Crouching Tiger) and that this film's production might represent international cooperation at its best.

Look out for Gong Li and Youki Kudoh in RICHLY developed supporting roles. The supporting males, while obviously not as well developed since they spend less time in the geisha quarters, still give incredible performances. Ken Watanabe was excellent, but I particularly enjoyed the performance of the actor playing Nobu. Oprah is right about the sets and costumes; they (amongst other things) make you want to savor every moment of the film. Some people have argued that the brilliant colors make it seem like some sort of Orientalist fantasy. Truth is that this would only be the case if we saw a departure from a more sedate West to a flamboyant East; instead, the film opens in a rather sedate part of Japan and then takes us to the more colorful geisha district (which introduces this fascinating paradox of great suffering in a milieu of tremendous beauty). We know from Chicago that it's simply Rob Marshall's aesthetic to make everything the height of beauty, even if it's a slum. God forbid ENTERTAINMENT CIRCLES should be presented as visually spectacular! The film is by turns funny, moving and, yes, thrilling. Gasps in the audience for the film's third act gave way to sniffles. Ziyi Zhang really managed any language difficulties well; her face has this ripple effect when she's emoting. It's stunning to behold. If I were voting for the Oscars, I'd definitely give her a nomination at the very least. And homegirl can dance, too! Her performance and the film itself are not boring at all; audience members laughed when she was trying to be funny and sighed when she was suffering. IMO, too much happens in the film for it to get boring; there's a strong balance between the rivalries, the details about geisha entertainment and the romance. In the final scene, it all comes full circle. I won't tell you how. See for yourself.

My #1 film of the year. Brokeback Mountain, Chronicles of Narnia, Howl's Moving Castle, King Kong and Grizzly Man aren't far behind.

Dawn Feb 20 2014 4:56 pm No matter hold old this movie is, I never get tired of watching it. It is a beautifully made film, with a beautful cast.

Ziyi Zhang is phenomenal. The way she brought to life the character of Sayuri was and always will be something to watch. I can guarantee the casting director/director is glad they bet on her. I love that way this movie rolls out like a persons fight for life, survival and love.

This is a classic!

WG Dec 25 2013 7:07 am I've been an admirer of Japanese culture for some years. This movie is extremely well written, acted and thought provoking in many dimensions. The cinematography is also very captivating. It's a DVD I had to purchase as I'm sure I'll watch it many times over the years.

YoonJaepuppycuteness Nov 05 2013 9:28 pm I'm reading the book at this very moment. Can't wait to finish it and see the movie!

AIDANAABILDA Jan 16 2010 12:26 pm THE FILM MUCH LIKED!!!!!!!! HE has LEFT ON ME INDELIBLE IMPRESSION!!!!! HAS TOUCHED BEFORE DEPTH SHOWERS!!!!!! And has CHANGED IN ME MY TASTES!!!! I BECAME be INTERESTED ASIATIC ACTOR!!!!!!

Memoirs of a Geisha

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Cast

Comments

Leave a Comment

Comments