Green Tea Forum

Chado · Posted: Jan 22, 2006 11:28 pm Post subject: Japanese movie

Has anyone seen "Memoirs of a Geisha"? I saw the movie only because a lot of it was filmed in Kyoto and Osaka and I wanted to bring back some wonderful memories of when I was there. I didn't recognize any of the scenery except the inner city market that looked a bit familiar (the scene where Sayuri Nittal meets Chairman for the first time). One thing I do remember was the magnificent cherry blossoms of the early spring time. They are just stunning in all respects.

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 926 Location: Japan

I think most of it was actually filmed in California. I know that because the "Memoirs of a Geisha" studio actually ordered matcha, a whisk, and a spoon from me!

I'm going to have a hard time seeing that one. First, I read the book. Next, they used Chinese actors for most of the leads. I am sure they were good actors and all, I just am not sure I want to hear Chinese accents on Japanese. I'm still baffled why they didn't go for more Japanese actors. I heard Speilberg wanted to do it all in Japanese and use English subtitles, whic would have been great. Oh well.... Rolling Eyes

Ryan · Sensei Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 475

I agree that it was unecessary to use Chinese actors. Does not Japan have pleanty of actors who could have filled the roles? Thats Hollywood for you.

Chado · Posted: Jan 25, 2006 12:39 pm Post subject:

CA?? Are you kiddin? Where, SF?? Probably mostly Chinease actors for money reasons. Everything in China is cheaper. Sadly, even movie companies are mostly concerned about bottom line profits. Any other reasons why Chinease actors?

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 926 Location: Japan

I'm sure they assumed, probably correctly, that the average American wouldn't know the difference. I also heard that many of the Japanese actresses were afraid to try out for it. Still, the most Japanese of Japanese culture with a Chinese accent will just not be right for me, heh. Rolling Eyes

Maygreen · Guest

I think it's because Chinese actress are more famous than Japanese. Chinese (and HongKong) actors and actress already reach Hollywood. Jacky Chan, Chow Yun Fat, Jet Li, Zhang Zi Yi. Some of their films are for international consumption and even reach Holywood (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Fearless, Hero, The Myth, etc).

Compared to Japanese, their achievement in this part wasn't quite known. Well, they produce good anime, good music, and TV drama, but not many good cinema movies (exception for Kurosawa Akira). And their actors/actress still not reach their steps to Holywood. (Maybe there is but I never heard of it. Please correct me if I'm wrong)

So I assumed that's why they used Chinese actress. But I do believe the male protagonist actor is Japanese.

Btw, sorry if my English is bad. ^^;

Prussian · Guest

I saw MoaG shortly after it premiered. I was disappointed by it because the book was so much richer in content. I understand there are limits to what a film can accomplish, so don't take this as a negative review.

The only truly negative aspect, in my opinion, is that the production team did not use a strictly Japanese cast. In my eyes, this is an insult to the Japanese, a people for whom I have a great deal of respect.

I felt it detracted from the authenticity of the film.

Edit -

1. I'd like to add that I hope the director will release his cut and that the DVD includes a lot of behind-the-scenes footage and information.

2. I agree with the Admin that the film would have been wonderful if it had been done entirely in Japanese.

Mars · Guest

...I must say I am a little bit amazed about the concern that the actors ought to be of Japanese origin in this movie. Personally I think this is nonsense compared to the following; almost every historic person from around the globe that Hollywood has put into film speaks American, and often are American actors - everyone from Jesus, Buddah, Pablo Picasso, Alexander the Great and Cleopatra and so on. I think this is much more disturbing if authenticity in moviemaking were my concerns Wink

Canundrum69 · Posted: Mar 10, 2007 1:40 pm Post subject:

lukeauge · Uh, Can I Add Sugar? Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 15

I definetely would have liked to see more Japanese actresses...but also the fact that it wasn't directed by anyone with a strong Japanese culture...it just changed the whole feel of it for me.

For example, the famous dance scene. What was that? I mean it was flashy like the movie Chicago, but Japanese aesthetic isn't flashy. It's the exact opposite. It's beauty in subtlety and simplicity. It's like trying to make the Tea Ceremony "entertaining." I really felt like this movie is everything wrong with how people misinterpret Japanese arts.

One example of a good movie is Zatoichi (the new one). It's entertaining, comical, good action, and still has that subtle Japanese texture. That movie also had some great music and rhythm in it.

Save your money and rent some classic Japanese-made movies.

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 926 Location: Japan

I'll second that! I took a class in college on Japanese literature in film, there are some great classic flicks out there. One I really liked was called "Double Suicide" (Shinju Ten no Amijima) , directed by Masahiro Shinoda - rent that one if you can.

lukeauge · Uh, Can I Add Sugar? Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 15

Thanks Kevin--I'll check that one out.

My fave Japanese movies so far:
-Zatoichi (new one)
-Samurai Fiction
-Lone Wolf and Shadow Cub
-Lady Snowblood
-Battle Royale
-Sharkskin Man and Hip Peach Girl

These all run along a same thread but I recommend them! I also enjoyed the Japanese part in Babel.

Chip · Posted: Mar 15, 2007 1:29 am Post subject:

Question out of complete ignorance on this subject, but very interested. Are these movies in Japanese? With English?

lukeauge · Uh, Can I Add Sugar? Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 15

Yes, they're in Japanese. They all have subtitles, though. Personally, subtitles don't bother me at all but maybe it took some getting used to. I think the first movie I watched, bothered me a little...but soon you get used to it, and surprisingly don't even notice it. In fact, I usually prefer it over voiceovers. Partly, because most voiceovers are just plain bad. But new movies like Hero (a Chinese flick) did a decent job of voiceover. I still prefer subtitles and the native language...hey maybe you'll learn some japanese by accident Smile

Chip · Posted: Mar 22, 2007 1:17 pm Post subject:

...thanx lukeage...I will have to check some of these out...

But unless they say sencha or kyuusu or something similar, I do not hold out much hope in understanding anything they say... Laughing