Daily Speculations
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Daily Speculations |
Movie Review: "Memoirs of a Geisha"
1/16/2006
by Steven Leslie
I recently viewed Memoirs of a Geisha, the epic film based on Arthur Golden's bestselling novel, produced by Steven Spielberg, directed by Rob Marshall and scored by John Williams. I found the movie to be a remarkably enjoyable and overwhelming display of cinemagraphic excellence and appeal. It is a visual feast, a stunning view of color and culture. It is an adventure into a lost world that Westerners can imagine but never visit.
It weaves a story of a young poverty-stricken girl sold to a Geisha house owner by her father, beneath the breath of his dying wife. Through the tutelage of an accomplished Geisha, the young girl blossoms into one of the most notable Geisha of her time. She eventually finds true love after many years with a man whom she first meets as a young urchin in Kyoto.
The greatest attribute of the film is the musical score, written by the incomparable John Williams and with melodic yet haunting performances by Yo-Yo Ma on cello and Yitzhak Perlman on violin. Rarely does one find such a collaboration of geniuses. How John Williams does what he does with such consistency and magnificence is beyond me. I would find it impossible not to be moved by the tapestry of music.
If you truly wish to treat yourself to an incredible film, I highly recommend. Be prepared for a full 2:15 of a sight and sound experience that few movies can ever approach. I give it an unapologetic five stars.
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