Table of Contents
- 1 What do the Japanese think of Memoirs of a Geisha?
- 2 Why was Memoirs of a Geisha banned?
- 3 How accurate is Memoirs of a geisha?
- 4 What was the name given to Chiyo after becoming a geisha?
- 5 Was ‘Memoirs of a geisha’ the first big-budget Hollywood movie with Asian actors?
- 6 How old was Sayuri when she was sold to the geisha house?
- 7 Should a Japanese actress star in a movie about Japanese culture?
What do the Japanese think of Memoirs of a Geisha?
The Hollywood blockbuster Memoirs of a Geisha has been heavily criticised in China and Japan even before it opens. The criticism in Japan centres on director Rob Marshall’s casting of Chinese actors as geisha. “She’s sold her soul and betrayed her country,” a Chinese blogger wrote.
Why was Memoirs of a Geisha banned?
Rob Marshall’s lush film adaptation of the Arthur Golden bestseller Memoirs of a Geisha has been banned in China, reportedly because of government fears that it could fan the flames of anti-Japanese sentiment. And many Chinese websites are now offering free downloads of the movie with Chinese subtitles.
Is Memoirs of a Geisha popular in Japan?
In fact, it’s fairly rare to find someone who has read the 650-page novel (published in two volumes) from beginning to end. Bookstore managers say the book is just not that popular. The main reason for this is that a foreigner writing about a topic like geishas seems kitschy to Japanese readers.
How accurate is Memoirs of a geisha?
No, it is not based on a true story. However, a real geisha, named Mineko Iwasaki, sued the author of the book because of defamation. Surprisingly, not the plot, but some characters in the book resembled some of the real characters in Mineko Iwasaki’s life that she shared with the author in a private conversation.
What was the name given to Chiyo after becoming a geisha?
Sayuri
Shortly afterwards, Chiyo is taken under the wing of Mameha, who persuades Mother to reinvest in Chiyo’s geisha training, promising to pay her twice over after her debut. Chiyo becomes a maiko and receives the name of Sayuri.
Who is the most famous geisha in history?
Mineko Iwasaki
Mineko Iwasaki (岩崎 峰子/岩崎 究香, Iwasaki Mineko), birthname Masako Tanaka (田中 政子, Tanaka Masako, born 2 November 1949), is a Japanese businesswoman, author and former geisha. Iwasaki was the most famous geisha in Japan until her sudden retirement at the age of 29.
Was ‘Memoirs of a geisha’ the first big-budget Hollywood movie with Asian actors?
Not everyone is pleased The makers of “Memoirs of a Geisha” expected to be lauded for creating the first big-budget Hollywood movie with Asian actors in every leading role. Instead, they find themselves defending casting decisions that have inflamed historical tensions between Japan and China.
How old was Sayuri when she was sold to the geisha house?
In MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, Sayuri (played as an adult by Ziyi Zhang) is sold by her poor family to a geisha house, or okiya, when she’s just nine; her blue eyes make her look “special” and Hatsumomo (Gong Li) is immediately jealous, threatening the child.
How do geishas compete with each other?
Geishas compete ruthlessly, by embarrassing rivals or ruining reputations; geishas are expected to sell their virginity. Young sisters are violently separated (leading to tears and loneliness); scenes of war and invasion; characters argue and fight (some slapping); a woman tries to burn down the geisha house.
Should a Japanese actress star in a movie about Japanese culture?
For months, the Internet has been filled with vitriolic debate over cultural insensitivity, and Zhang has been denounced in China for her starring role. The arguments boil down to this: A movie about Japanese culture should have a Japanese actress in the lead.