Memoirs of a Geisha
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If Syriana is an excuse so that males who are able to appreciate it could call themselves übersexual (it's something similar to being metrosexual, only, the übersexual male is interested in politics, economy and social crisis stuff), Memoirs of a Geisha is the movie to appeal to the artsy, epic-drama junkies. I'm not saying it was bad; on the contrary, it was a good watch. It was refreshing to see shots of early 20th century Japan. The cinematography is perfect and the backing music were soothing.
However, I read a review weeks ago from CTC about not being able to relate that deeply with the characters. I find that a bit true. We must remember that major characters here including Xang Ziyi (or however she spells her name now) have gone through rushed English lessons to play their parts. The result, it is sometimes obvious that the characters were concentrating too much on speaking with proper English diction rather than focusing on their acting.
The CTC reviewer wasn't surprised that Memoirs didn't make the cut in the Oscars (or did it?) and said it could have done better on the Best Foreign Language Film category if the movie was instead subtitled. I personally don't think that would work either since I doubt if Xang Ziyi or other actors and actresses are pure Japanese. I am certain that Michelle Yeoh is Malaysian for one.
It would have been great if I had read or at least skimmed the book before seeing the movie. Now, I am reading the e-book and am hoping to read more details that the movie prolly chucked out. Anyway, I think everyone should get a chance to watch Memoirs on the big screen. It just won't be that beautiful even on a plasma TV. As if I had one.
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If Syriana is an excuse so that males who are able to appreciate it could call themselves übersexual (it's something similar to being metrosexual, only, the übersexual male is interested in politics, economy and social crisis stuff), Memoirs of a Geisha is the movie to appeal to the artsy, epic-drama junkies. I'm not saying it was bad; on the contrary, it was a good watch. It was refreshing to see shots of early 20th century Japan. The cinematography is perfect and the backing music were soothing.
However, I read a review weeks ago from CTC about not being able to relate that deeply with the characters. I find that a bit true. We must remember that major characters here including Xang Ziyi (or however she spells her name now) have gone through rushed English lessons to play their parts. The result, it is sometimes obvious that the characters were concentrating too much on speaking with proper English diction rather than focusing on their acting.
The CTC reviewer wasn't surprised that Memoirs didn't make the cut in the Oscars (or did it?) and said it could have done better on the Best Foreign Language Film category if the movie was instead subtitled. I personally don't think that would work either since I doubt if Xang Ziyi or other actors and actresses are pure Japanese. I am certain that Michelle Yeoh is Malaysian for one.
It would have been great if I had read or at least skimmed the book before seeing the movie. Now, I am reading the e-book and am hoping to read more details that the movie prolly chucked out. Anyway, I think everyone should get a chance to watch Memoirs on the big screen. It just won't be that beautiful even on a plasma TV. As if I had one.
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i've read the book, but i haven't seen the movie yet. the book was good, a few dull moments here and there, but the fun parts outnumbered them. it was all in all a good read. or maybe it's because i've been to japan and can clearly picture some of the things mentioned? my imagination is lazy. hehehe!
anyways, please write a review on the book when you're done ha! a comparison of the movie and the book would be great, i love your reviews eh. =)
Posted by
beng |
3/01/2006 08:31:00 AM