Memoirs of a Geisha

[Delta-Pheonix]

Who's read it? great stuff IMO if you want a little insight to Japanese culture or more speciffily(SP) Geisha culture i recomend it... otherwise read it any way :lol:

[Ageha]

Who's read it? great stuff IMO if you want a little insight to Japanese culture or more speciffily(SP) Geisha culture i recomend it... otherwise read it any way :lol:


I think if you want real insight, you're better off reading Liza Dalby's Geisha, Mineko Iwasaki's Geisha: A Life (written by the geiko Arthur Golden claimed "Memoirs" was based on, she was unhappy with the result, and so wrote her own autobiography), Sayo Masuda's Autobiography of a Geisha, or Women of the Pleasure Quarters: The Secret History of the Geisha. I'm not criticizing your reading choice, good fiction is good fiction, but when it comes to geisha, the true stories are far more intriguing.

[loplop]

Memoirs of a Geisha is utter crap. The movie and the novel are both westernized ideas of what a Geisha is (and was). I would not recommend either one to anyone . . . . .

[Shio]

As a fictional story, I thought it was fun book to read. Sure, the insight into geisha-ness may not have been very well done, but it was entertaining and well-written (even if unresearched).

[Japhyl]

I read the book, but I didn't really like it. In my opinion, it felt more like the story was from a perverted man's point of view instead of seeming like it was written from a geisha's point of view.

[hatchi chobits]

^^ i agree. haven't seen the movie yet.

[Otakugrrl]

I've both read the book and watched the movie. The book is almost always better than the movie and this is true here too, even though the movie was beautiful. I would never take this story for a true depiction of what a geisha's life was/is really like, but for someone who knew nothing to begin with, it was a nice primer.

[kissthecajun]

I loved the book. The descriptions, be them true or not, did have a certain correct ring to them. Lets face it, the bit after WW2 that a plain ***** is considered a Geisha and the real one turns into a *****... It is good.

I actually really enjoyed the book storywise as well as insight. I also read Autobiography of a Geisha. Amazing as well. Both are recommended for those who are interested. In the spring addition of Katiego magazine the main feature is about Geishas. It could be interesting to read as well.

As for the movie, I loved it. Though the movie is too slow, not as good as the book and slightly too hollywood. But it gave me a delicious taste of what Japan use to be.

[loplop]

Another problem with the movie that i didn't mention in my earlier post is the fact that NONE of the major actresses were even Japanese . . . .

[Ageha]

Another problem with the movie that i didn't mention in my earlier post is the fact that NONE of the major actresses were even Japanese . . . .

And I'm sure none of the tv shows or movies you watch (or have watched) and love have actors or actresses from other countries playing characters who aren't actually the same nationality as they are. Would it have been nice? Perhaps, but all things considered (available actors/actresses, actors/actresses who would be a financial draw, and, well, the fact that it's a Hollywood movie based on a book that-while it may or may not be good fiction-does in ways misrepresent the subject its meaning to talk about), I don't see the problem with it. And anyway, even if it had, would you feel any better? You don't like the movie/book because it misrepresents geisha and that fact wouldn't change even if there were major Japanese actors and actresses in the movie.

[ablo]

Like the movie Troy. I'm pretty sure Brad Pitt isn't Greek.

[loplop]

And anyway, even if it had, would you feel any better? You don't like the movie/book because it misrepresents geisha and that fact wouldn't change even if there were major Japanese actors and actresses in the movie.

No, it would not. It was just something I thought about when I saw the thread name in the index. However, there are plenty of talented Japanese actresses that could have been used. I have the same beef when they use an American actor or actresses to play some one from another part of the world and vice versa . . . . I agree with your earlier post, there are much better works out there about the subject . . . .

[Rain]

Like the movie Troy. I'm pretty sure Brad Pitt isn't Greek.

Exactly.

I have the same beef when they use an American actor or actresses to play some one from another part of the world and vice versa . . . . I agree with your earlier post, there are much better works out there about the subject . . . .

I was going to call you out on the double standard if I hadn't read your second post (see: above).

[kissthecajun]

In the movie House of Flying Daggers, the lead male isn't chinese. He's Japanese. So?

Al Paccino (I spelled it wrong. I know) plays the Jew in the merchant of venice. He isn't Jewish. Last time I checked, the chick from NCIS who plays Ziva David isn't Israeli. Long story short: They weren't Japanese. True.

But they were good actresses. They played the part out well. And the main man WAS Japanese. So there =P

[Burbster]

Anyone who complains that someone is not depicted by someone of the same ethnicity is stupid, and I'd even go as far as to say racist.

[melda]

i'm obssesed with that movie it's da BOMB!!!