F/BF (Flatmate/Best Friend) and I went to see 'Memoirs of a Geisha' on Saturday.
We both loved the book, and perhaps this was partly the reason the film flopped a bit for us. To be honest, I was really quite disappointed. The best I can say about it is that it looked pretty.
Reasons why I thought it wasn't very good:
1. Although the book was written in English, the film spoken in English felt wrong.
2. Most of the leading actors in the film were Chinese, playing Japanese characters... probably because the actors were 'famous' with Western audiences (via films like 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon').
3. It was waaaaaaaayy to long.
I should have known I wasn't going to like it. It was directed by Rob Marshall (of 'Chicago' fame... which I thought was shit) and produced by Steven Spielberg. (nuff said).
9 comments:
Hmmm..this was one movie I had wanted to see. Now you've made me think twice. I guess I'll prolly wait for it to come out in DVD.
My wife wants to see it but we will wait until it gets to the discount cinema and do dinner and a movie. She loved the book. I haven't read it but hear the soundtrack on the radio and it is wonderful.
Thanks for the review... I'll also have to wait until they have it on dvd. Shame it wasn't very good as the book was fab!
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the book. But the movie fell flat for me.
" The best I can say about it is that it looked pretty." = I couldn't agree with you more. Pretty but essential vacuous. Regarding #2 - dude. seriously. It's like the producers sat around and were all, "Chinese, Japanese. What's the difference!" Whatever.
I have heard this from MANY folks-- the film is just a big letdown. One person suggested that it's best to go with you iPod and listen to some good music, avoiding the bad dialogue while enjoying the well-shot scenes.
-- david
that was a snoozefest... but gong li's accent kept me entertained.
That was an excellent review. I plead ignorance, not having read the book or seen the movie yet. I wonder if not reading the book will make a difference.
Definitely one for DVD like everyone said...
David... what an idea re. Ipod in the movie. I'm going to remember that for the next time I see a pretty piece of shit like this.
Sar, JUST read the book and forget about the film!
Very nice site! » »
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