Memoirs of a Geisha


Reviewed by: Quinn

June 29, 2006

Rating: three-point-five

MOVIE AS A WHOLE

This movie definitely caught my eye and got me interested. I was counting down the days until it hit the theatres. I was a little disappointed. I left not really sure of what I was thinking. I did mind the bad English, but there wasn't much dialogue anyways. Which I might add, was pretty decent the movie was able to go on without much talking. The casts' face was communication enough. I support most of casts' talent. The movie had enough passion and potential to go further, so I didn't think they gave it 110%. The movie was a little slow, and I left not really feeling a "bang". The climax is if you will or the part where it gave you goosebumps and had you almost clinging onto the chair. You know, the excitement. The ending, especially, really surprised me. So much happened, or so many events led to an ending that left on a sour note, and it felt like it didn't end at all.

On the plus side I did enjoy the ability of the narrator's voice to create some effect and this movie really gave the reason of the way with words is key (especially in sad movies). I did feel touched by the words, I'm talking about the deepness of it all. When the narrator described the feelings, it had this soulfulness to it, that made you listen and really think. The narrator also used narrating as a way to move the story along, which is smart. The writing, I thought, had some wisdom, knowledge, and the sense of maturity.

Ziyi Zhang was exhilarating in the dance scene. She was full of emotion, and it was so strong you could almost feel it. Though at first I caught my breath and twitched a little, feeling it was a little over-the-top and too much, I changed my mind. Talking about her portrayal throughout the movie, her face is quite glued in one spot. It looks a little flat, I have to admit, but, because I haven't read the book, (I assumed is the reason), it works. And the eyes, the eyes got me.

The music really played in the part of creating the atmosphere and helped get the person watching into the feelings and the desires. The scenery was great. Great shots, great takes, nice editing and pretty much, the display and package of the movie.

- EXTRAS / [MAY BE SPOILERS] -

* Raping scene was great. I was almost screaming, and I was definitely squirming, also covering my eyes so I didn't have to deal with it.

* The girl whom Ziyi's character lived with, in her childhood, (she's very, how you say, puts her body out there, and you see her with boys a lot), but yeah, she's a devil. So good job!

* The little girl, who played Ziyi's character when she was little, I have no idea why I don't like her. Maybe it's just me which may have ruined the telling of the childhood and how everything started, otherwise known as the formation of the story.

ENDING IT OFF..

If you've read the book, 90 out of 100 chances, you wouldn't like the movie. But check it out anyways if you'd like.

I do appreciate the movie and it did get nominations for Golden Globe awards. Everything else in the movie was different and unique. I liked the different life it took me in. In other words, get your hands on this movie.


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