Memoirs of a Geisha

It’s always so cool to have friend (Miss M) who works in the media industry. At times, she will invite me or my other sec friends along for free movie premieres and concerts.
Haha… What a pleasure of having such special treats!

Yesterday, we went to watch the premiere of “Memoirs of a Geisha” at Cineleisure. Needless to say, it was free tickets again this time, courtesy of Media corps.
On hearing that it was going to be free seating, we quickly finish our dinner and headed straight for the cinema.

Well, as the saying goes: early birds always get to choose the good seats but little did we know that the whole level of cinemas was all booked for showing that movie at that time slot. Hence, still got plenty of seats around. Oh well, never mind then.

Had heard good comments about this movie and that it was nominated for 2 Golden Globes.

Basically, in Memoirs of a Geisha, a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion.

Sayuri’s (Zhang Zhi Yi) story begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house.

Slowly, thought-out the show, we can witness her transformation as she learns the rigorous arts of the geisha: dance and music; wearing silk kimono, elaborate makeup and hair; competing with a jealous rival for men's solicitude and the money that goes with it.

Rather interesting to understand how the culture of the geisha is like and the movie did a fine job establishing the highly disciplined world of a geisha, a world where many sacrifices are to be made.

Plus, there were also beautiful scenery in the streets of Gion - the geisha district of Kyoto - with its marvelous teahouses and theaters, narrow back alleys, ornate temples.

On the whole, it was quite an entertaining and interesting show but was rather lengthy too. I was squirming in my seat, wondering when it was going to end. Keke…perhaps feeling quite tired.

Nevertheless, this movie brings me to another level of understanding of Japan’s history, which I always been interested in, ever since I was young.

I’m more determined to visit Japan if I got the chance. To try on the lovely kimono, admire the sakura flowers and visit the ornate temples.