Memoirs of a Geisha

Starring: Ziyi Zhang, Suzuku Ohgo, Ken Watanabe, Koji Yakusho
Directed by: Rob Marshall
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Romance
2005

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A young girl in Japan has a bleak future as a maid, until she meets The Chairman (Ken Watanabe), who inspires her to become a geisha. Years later, the girl (Ziyi Zhang) seems to be close to achieving everything she ever wanted, but may soon find her new freedom to be a prison in disguise.

Review:

Tim: This is an absolutely beautiful film to look at, and I am so absolutely glad I saw it. That being said, I don't ever want to see it again. This is one of those one-and-you're-out films. While pretty, it is no easy task making it through this sweeping Japanese epic.

The cast is surprisingly good. Ziyi Zhang has had some less than ideal roles throughout her career, but here, she has every opportunity to showcase her talent. She is not terrific, but she still manages to give an impressive performance. Ken Watanabe is very, very good as The Chairman. He has such an important role, and I cannot think of another actor that could have given such an excellent performance. The real star of the show, however; is Suzuka Ohgo, who plays a younger version of Zhang's character. For being 12 years old, she is remarkable. She easily gives the best performance of the film.

Rob Marshall directs a beautiful, sweeping epic that will amaze you with its costumes and sets. Like I previously mentioned, this film looks amazing, yet has a little less than you'd hope once you get into it. To be fair, the story is very interesting and the ending is truly great. However, it feels far too long and loses its viewers throughout its sheer running time. Memoirs of a Geisha is certainly flawed, but if you like eye candy over substance, this film is for you. As for me, one trip to Geisha-obsessed Japan is more than enough for me.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



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