Memoirs’ miscasting seems to be a characteristic example of Hollywood’s insensitivity, in which executives weigh star power over authenticity, masking what very well may be blatant and inherent racism. In fact, the film was banned in China, as Chinese officials did not approve of Chinese actresses portraying “Japanese courtesans”. For a movie dealing with a subject that’s strictly Japanese, it was truly offensive to many in the Asian community that these important roles were not given to Japanese actresses. The controversy attached to the film is not purely cinematographic it has also been critiqued for the fact that all three leads were played by women of Chinese descent. And then again, can we judge these women for carving a life and wealth for themselves in a world that so often stifles women’s power? Memoirs chooses to portray the mizuage ritual as a deflowering practice and it can be uncomfortable to watch a 15-year old girl sell herself to a much, much older man. Japanese prostitutes and lower ranking okiyas also used this term when referring to their deflowering ritual, in which a maiko’s virginity is sold to a male patron. Mizuage is a ceremony that promotes a maiko’s transition from apprentice status to a full Geisha. ![]() Though the film makes it clear that being a Geisha is not the same as being a prostitute, adult themes in the movie, such as violence, sex, tobacco use, alcohol use, attempted rape and prostitution do lend the movie a degree of insight into the not-so-glamorous aspects of Geisha culture, as does the t radition of mizuage, which is represented in the film. Geishas are well-trained hostesses who charm and flirt, if need be, with their patrons in order to make more money. The colors stand out the same way a Geisha would as she enters a room of men with business suits. ![]() The vibrant reds, the clean whites, the bright yellows and oranges pop out against the drab browns and tans of the buildings and walls. The cinematographer, Dion Beebe, who won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography, uses saturated colors for the wardrobe and set pieces.There’s a scene with young Chiyo running through a hall of large orange pillars, another scene with an older Chiyo, now named Sayori (Zhang Ziyi), dancing at her reception in red lipstick and a white kimono that contrasts beautifully with the black backgrou nd and bright white snowflakes falling from the ceiling. The colors in this movie are nothing short of amazing. A deal that would make Chiyo a celebrated Geisha and that would pay of her debt twice over, but only if Chiyo has it in her. One day, Mameha (Michelle Yeoh) Hatsumomo’s rival, offers Mother a deal that she can’t refuse. ![]() Because of this, Mother tells her she could never be a Geisha because her debt is now too large to make back.įor six years, Chiyo lives a life of servitude to Mother, the okiya, Hatsumomo and Pumpkin (Youki Kudoh), her childhood friend who is now a Geisha-in-training, or maiko. She eventually attempts to run away with her sister, but this leads to an arm injury when she falls off a roof while trying to sneak away. These skilled women are funded by patrons, men who pay for their company and entertainment.Īt the okiya, Chiyo is bullied by the cruel and jealous head Geisha, Hatsumomo (Gong Li), and is treated like a slave by Mother. Geishas are Japanese entertainers, trained in the art of traditional dance, music, conversation, and tea serving. Nitta (Kaori Momoi), aka Mother, who owns an okiya, or a boarding house for Geisha. While Satsu is sold to a brothel, Chiyo is sold to Ms. Set in pre-WWII 1920s Japan, a 9-year old girl named Chiyo and her older sister, Satsu, are sold into the human trafficking market by their impoverished and sickly parents. Released on December 9, 2005, Memoirs has been a source of contention for many scholars and moviegoers alike. It’s been 13 years since Rob Marshall’s Memoirs of a Geisha made its way onto the big screen.
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