Memoirs of a geisha

Memoirs of a geisha is a film adaptation of a historical novel of the same name written by Arthur Golden

Memoirs of a geisha is a romantic drama directed by Rob Marshall. The film is set in Kyoto, Japan and narrates the story of a young girl who is sold to a Geisha house to serve as a maid but her beauty is recognized and she goes on to become the most celebrated Geisha of Japan.

Through Sayuri the film highlights the journey of a young girl from being a maid to becoming a renowned geisha, trials and troubles of a geisha, the life of luxury and splendor and her plight as a beautiful and lovable woman never really allowed to live a life of her own. The film reveals many ancient geisha customs like selling of mizuage and taking a danna. The film also features some exotic geisha practices like musicianship, dances and tea ceremonies.

The film opens in remote Japanese village in 1929 where 2 young girls, Chiyo and Satsu are sold by their father. Chiyo is taken in by the proprietress of a geisha where she becomes a maid to Hatsumomo, a cold, controlling, and calculating geisha who is instantly jealous of Chiyo's unusual, beautiful eyes and childish innocence. Chiyo is befriended by Pumpkin, another maid at the Geisha house. One day on the street, the young Chiyo is noticed by the Chairman who buys her an iced sorbet. Inspired by his act of kindness, Chiyo resolves to become a geisha so that she may one day become a part of the Chairman’s life.

The story revolves around the struggles of Chiyo, of how she is taken under the wings of Mameha and becomes Sayuri, one of the most celebrated Geisha’s of Japan.

The film takes a dramatic turn with the Second World War deglaming the geishas. Sayuri is saved by Nobu, The chairman’s partner and friend, who admire Sayuri, Owing her life to Nobu, she is in a dilemma when he offers her to become her patron.

Will Sayuri accept Nobu’s offer, will she sacrifice her love like every other geisha or will she be allowed to follow her heart and be with her beloved chairman.

The film is peppered with displays of emotions like kindness, gratitude and affection  and acts of jealousy, revenge, anger and frustration.

Ziyi Zhang is outstanding as Sayuri, who stands up to the oppressive Hatsumomo (the effervescent Gong Li), while Michelle Yeoh is simply splendid as the wise and elegant Mameha.

The film has a very surreal feel and the director has created a very beautiful, opulent yet heartbreaking world of geisha for the viewers. The film has some breathtaking costumes and makeup and has won an academy award for best costume. It has also won the academy for best cinematography and best art direction.

In my opinion it is one of the few book adaptations that does complete justice to the book.