For some reason over the last few months, I've received a large amount of requests for my opinion about "Memoirs of a Geisha", the film which appears to be revered by many and hated by several as well. It doesn't surprise me that the Chinese government has boycotted that film and that there has been controversy over why Chinese actresses were placed into the roles of Japanese women when there are a many excellent Japanese-American actresses who could have played the roles.
I have been reluctant to watch that movie for awhile as it strikes me as odd that a Southern white man wrote it. I have been wondering if the market would be as lucrative for me if I had written "Memoirs of a Southern Gent". Would "Roots" have sold as well if it was written by someone who wasn't African-American? Would "The Joy Luck Club" been as resonant if it was not written by a Chinese-American? Or would "Angela's Ashes" or "'Tis" been as poignant had it not been written by an Irishman? Could Arthur Golden truly capture the life of a Japanese woman during the 1920s?
Overall, the film does a good job of setting the stage of life during that time. Part of the film was shot in Kyoto, Japan, so the period costumes and the street scenes were very authentic. Kyoto is one of the oldest parts of Japan, so the winding streets with the similar rooflines still exist today. Some of the temple scenes were also shot in Kyoto, and have been preserved well. The opening scenes where Chiyo and her sister are brought to the Geisha homes rings true and gives the viewer a sense that maybe this film may be giving us some useful information. The problem begins with the introduction of one of the main characters, Hatsumomo, played by Gong Li. She is one of the Geishas who brings in a lot of money for the house, so she is somewhat of a primadonna. What bothered me most about this character is that she is portrayed very much of what a "dragon lady" stereotype would be. Clearly, the actress didn't have much material to work with, and there had to be some conflict brought into the story. So, Hatsumomo's introduction already set a bad stage. We already know that the Chiyo character played by Ziyi Zhang will be coached into the Geisha world by Mameha played by Michelle Yeoh to become the demure "good" character who eventually wins the hearts of everyone in the community and most importantly her benefector, "The Chairman", played by Ken Watanabe. Puh-leese!
The problem with Hollywood these days is that these stereotypes continue to be propogated by the media. Albeit, it is a novel and a work of fiction, but couldn't we start looking and promoting more films that portray Asians in a more normal light? If you've seen Memoirs of a Geisha, go ahead and rent the film "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle". Although the film is of a very different genre, it helps to portray two young Asian American actors in a more realistic light, in an age where working and living in a multicultural environment means you can be and act like "normal" Americans no matter what type of ethnic background you have. The film even has moments where the main characters also wonder about why there own stereotypes seem to be prominent in our society, it gives the viewer not only a dose of comic relief during the funny scenes, but also gives them food for thought once the film is over. Albeit, the film also has its problems (riding a Cheetah in the woods or the Neil Patrick Harris car scenes) but I would much rather have people relate more to this film than Memoris of a Geisha. Get those two actresses White Castle burgers without the kimono in Levi jeans, please!
