ava magnanti

READ. THE. BOOK. If you'd never read the novel, this recreation of Memoirs Of a Geisha would just seem like an over-dramatized western geisha film, but having read the book this feels disrespectful to say that they share a title. Of course many details have to be left out when creating a movie out of such a poetic book, but my god, they completely changed some of the plotlines and paraphrased quotes in places that wouldn't make any sense in the original novel, and it feels poorly made. Arthur Golden's Memoirs Of a Geisha was also made by westerners, but with thorough research, and the many stories and undertones the book holds each leave the reader struck with a different feeling of awe. I'll stop there because this is not a review for the book. One star because Hatsumono's actress is so beautiful. I should give zero for Sayuri's horrible contact lenses though, ugh.

wow. just wow. this film was astounding, the acting was great and the cinematography was excellent. the plot and story were so jarring though— i do not get scared by horror films, which is something i pride myself upon, but after watching this i feel like i need to lay my head on my boyfriends chest and just be held. jarring is the only word i can think of. for sure not meant for anyone with a weak stomach. it definitely challenges the nature vs. nurture argument, especially in the cases of violence. i feel dirty and wrong and shaken after watching this movie, but at the same time i couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. excellent writing, excellently portrayed, but just so so disturbing