If you are an ardent movie-buff, it is highly unlikely to not have heard of the 2005 film ‘Memoirs of a Geisha‘. Recently during Gangubai Kathiawadi promotions, actor Alia Bhatt spoke about the film being one of her reference points for Gangubai Kathiawadi preparations too. The film was sadly not available to stream anywhere in India till now. But here’s a happy news! ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ will stream on Netflix India from December 1st.
The film narrates the story of a young Japanese girl, Chiyo Sakamoto, who is sold by her impoverished family to a geisha house (okiya) to support them financially. She gets trained and eventually becomes a geisha under the pseudonym “Sayuri Nitta.” The film focuses on the sacrifices and hardships faced by pre-World War II geisha and the challenges posed by the war and a modernizing world to geisha society.
Memoirs of a Geisha has 6 Academy Awards nominations and three wins to its credit in Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design categories respectively. Upon release, however the film met with mixed reviews for its casting choices and style over substance approach. The film was titled ‘Sayuri’ in Japanese and released under that title in Japan.
The American epic period drama film is directed by Rob Marshall. It was adapted to the screenplay by Robin Swicord from the 1997 novel of the same name authored by Arthur Golden. Memoirs of a Geisha stars Zhang Ziyi in the lead role. Ken Watanabe, Gong Li, Michelle Yeoh, Youki Kudoh, Suzuka Ohgo, and Samantha Futerman co-stars. The film was produced by Steven Spielberg and Douglas Wick under the banners Amblin Entertainment, Dreamworks Pictures and Red Wagon Entertainment. The film will stream on Netflix India from December 1st. Set your reminders and update your wishlist already.