Memoirs Of A Geisha (2005)

This is normally not the kind of film I'd find the least bit interesting, but actually sitting down to watch it changed my mind very quickly. Historical yet fictionalised biopics like The Last King of Scotland or JFK have always interested me, and Memoirs of a Geisha functions in much the same way. The film tells the (fictional) life-story of Chiyo Sakamoto, otherwise known as Sayuri, as she is sold into slavery as a child, survived a harsh life as a servant-girl (and whipping girl of star geisha Hatsumomo), before finally being taken under the wing of veteran geisha Mameha to become the most sought-after geisha in the land. And all this to win the love of a man who bought her a sorbet as a little girl. While this seems to be an incredibly feminine kind of film, the training and devotion necessary make for a harsh life (not unlike Nina's life in Black Swan), as well as the sheer perseverance and will of Sayuri make this seem more like Rocky than Sex and the City. Couple this with the truly spectacular setting of a early-20th century Japan, showing the rapid modernisation of the Meiji Restoration alongside the traditional architecture, blending seamlessly. The sight of a man in a business suit walking in the grounds of a pagoda while women in kimonos saunter by shows a unique and exotic setting. The story of a very strong woman living through an extraordinary time in history in a harsh and beautiful culture.


We'll just forgive the Chinese and Malaysian actresses in the lead roles...