A Movie Review on the Memoirs of a Geisha

In the Memoirs of a Geisha, the Japanese culture during the pre-World War is evidently highlighted all throughout, specifically social concerns that remain prevalent until this very date.

The one thing I liked about the film is that it echoes the social difficulties experienced by many women born in the early twentieth century. Sayuri’s fate, like that of other women of her time, was largely predetermined by the dictates of beauty, class and male patronage; and there are still many of them that exist today. Hence, I believe that her life as a geisha and her ability to break her dependency on others and determine her own life is reflective of the path many women must make from dependency to self-reliance.

In the movie, child slavery is portrayed when innocent girls from the rural areas are sold to geisha houses without knowing the implications of geisha training and without even asking for their consent. They were even not given the freedom to marry nor have kids. Women, in general, were inferior. Male domination was prevalent. Although, geishas were not treated as men’s equal, they were tolerated, more respected and given a special status by Japanese society.

The film also leaves a question, which I find really interesting: is the geisha an artist or a prostitute? I am certain that judgments may vary and that we can debate about this for as long as Jesus comes. However, according to the author of the book Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden, the word geisha does not mean prostitute, as Westerners ignorantly assume. It actually means artisan or artist. I actually agree because based on the movie, geishas do not sell their bodies but their skills. They are trained to do things perfectly, how to smile, converse, and pour tea, walk, sing, and dance, use hands gracefully and so on. In other words, they were to become professional entertainers.

Another thing I liked about the film is that it highlights the importance of the sense of honor and position in Japanese society. In particular, the respect shown between business associates and the geisha and their displays of affection and interest in each other reflects the foundation of the Japanese culture. The simple act of bowing is an example that is still being practiced today, which is one of the most admirable traits of the Japanese.

Ultimately, the values possessed by a geisha such as working hard is the idea I like the most because I think that is what makes them distinct and it is the core value that makes the Japanese a powerful race because of the instilled traits such as discipline, loyalty and respect.