When I would tell people that I wanted to see Memoirs of a Geisha, most would react, "You want to see a movie about a prostitute?" Well, I loved Moulin Rouge, so my answer was a resounding, "Yes!" But on a more academic level, I really love Chinese and Japanese films, as tragic as they are. I think they're beautifully shot and have artistic direction that is extremely unique to their culture. So, I was looking forward to this film.
The movie was just as I expected: stunningly beautiful. I was mesmorized by the cinematography, the color scheme, the costumes and the scenery. Though I will admit the magic was broken in one scene when I recognized the scenery as belonging to the Huntington Library (a location I frequent as much as possible). Not entirely authentic at that moment, but it was just one short scene.
The direction was excellent. It didn't fall prey to the all too common dead giveaway. Nor was it snobby or elusive. It found a happy medium--giving details as they became necessary and letting the story unfold with the pace of the movie.
What I enjoyed most about it was really seeing the culture and the practice of the Geisha. I'm not naive enough to say that I know loads about it after watching one film, but the schooling, the art of their occupation was truly beautiful. One line in the movie said, "Geisha are taught to be living pieces of art." And in this film, they were.
It is a sad story. A girl ripped from her home, sold to a house in the city, sentenced to be a slave to the Geisha, then given another chance only to be viciously undermined by other, insecure, jealous Geisha, and finally to pursue her love all the while he is unaware of her affection. Tragic. But redemptive.
Unlike all the other Asian films I've seen, this one ended like a Shakespearean comedy. In no way funny throughout, but ends well. Therefore, it came as no real surprise when I saw that the director was Rob Marshall, the producer Steven Spielberg and all the others involved in the film making Americans as well. Of course it ends happy; it's American! Even the author of the book is Arthur Golden. That made me laugh. I really should do more homework before seeing a film.
The score must be mentioned. Naturally, being that Spielberg was the producer, John Williams was the composer. The score was breathtakingly beautiful. The violin solos were so filled with raw emotion that once the film was done, I took a deep breath and almost cried, I was so moved by the music. Come to find out that Itzak Perlman was the soloist. Of course. And Yo-Yo Ma was the cello soloist.
I highly recommend this film to those who love this genre and to those who love beautiful films. If I were a guy, I'm not sure I would see the appeal of it, so I'm not telling you all to buy a ticket ASAP, but if you love cinematography and music, this would be well worth it.
The movie is very tasteful. There's nothing offensive in it. There are a few uncertain moments in which the audience is left to wonder if gruesome things are about to occur, but they don't. It's a triumph of a film. Finally an epic that wasn't incredibly disappointing.
UPDATE: I take it all back! Men, go see this film. One man did, and loved it. He even disagreed with Hugh Hewitt's judgment on the film.
AND...FrontPage mag also agrees it's a great film.
