The Memoir of a Geisha

 

It’s a sad tale told by the one who have gone through the ordeal of becoming one. Let’s not forget that it’s also a well executed film with great cinematography and art directing from the producers and directors.

What I learned

Before this I thought ‘Geisha’ was the word to bear means of a high class courtesan (a better word to use for prostitution) that only exist in Japan. However, my perception changes after watching the whole movie. Now I understand that ‘Geisha’ means Entertainer or for the lacks of suitable word it can means ‘Artist’ as well. It definitely sound likes a great career choice but from the looks of it a sad future awaits those who follow the path for geisha-hood.

Their trade consists of playing traditional song, traditional dances, poetry, literature, tea ceremony, calligraphy. Much of the Geisha have been phased out due to bad economy after the aftermath of World War 2 from roughly 80, 000 (1920s) to today’s of only one to two thousand at most around Japan. What surprise me most was a Caucasian Geisha that goes with the name of Fiona Graham from Australia, she still practicing it till now, when I was hunting for some information on Geisha. She’s an anthropologist went for training in 2006 and got debuted in 2007. I think it would be fair that she went through the training and preparation to becoming a Geisha while some might argue that Liza Dalby comes first.

Review

I can’t say that I like every minute of it because some of the scenes can be cut off but it’s still a pretty sight to put on a feast for your eyes. The acting and dancing are good and well played out throughout the movie. I must say that I a bit moved by little Chiyo (Suzuka Ohga) acting too. You go girl!

Another thing I learn is the differences of separating real Geisha from Geisha Girls (they’re real prostitute that dress with a kimono and some makeup) the term was coined after the war when American GI’s were stationed in Japan and have no previous knowledge on the cultures of Japanese people. While real Geisha don’t sell their body but their arts and performance. Well, there you have it clean and clear of the both.

I understand that the Japanese have invaded China back in the days and with all the atrocities they have caused to the people of China but entertainment and arts should be above all politics. Banning such a good movie is absurd! From my point of view, people use it as a scapegoat to vent their dissatisfaction about their own government and their own pathetic life’s, when the movie was suppose to be feature in China Cinemas but in the last minute it was taken down due to anti-Japanese sentiments. People should just enjoy the movie of what it worth and not evoking and retelling of the past which have been buried and should be forgotten.

[photo credits to STEPHAN LABS]

 

I’m gonna read the book as well since I got my S.E.X 10 already at the end of last month in the preparation to be use as my mobile power house.