I saw it tonight. I thought it was visually stunning, just beautiful. I wasn't distracted by the actors in any way. If I hadn't known about the controversy I don't think I would have realized it. It got me very excited about my upcoming trip, and I am glad I only have about 10 weeks left til I go back and can soak up some more of Japan.

>Nervous censors in China delay release >of "Sayuri".
>Stars accused of treachery for >playing 'prostitutes' as outrage and >old hatreds smoulder over Tokyo's >wartime atrocities

I have learned of above today on Yahoo Japan news. At the beginning I did not know what movie they were talking about then realized Sayuri (the name of the heroin) is the Japanese title for Memoir of a Geisha. Guess they decided that the original title or its translation in Japanese would not work for Japanese market. Maybe they don't like the use of the word "Geisha" in the title.

Being Japanese I'm not particularly interested to see this movie. I'm a regular movie goer and today I went to see "Mrs Henderson Presents" (deligthful movie - great performances by Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins - by the way) and saw the preview of Memoirs of Geisha. The preview did not show it that good. I have a handicap of being Japanese to enjoy the movie fully. I would be somehow distaracted by the I might go see it but as just another movie and not necessarily expecting something about real Japan. I might fairly enjoy it. I did like "Last Samurai" but there were special circumstances. I saw it in my nice Venice hotel room one night on a big LCD screen. (On the other hand, I had no interest at all in Shogun. That was a long time ago, wasn't it?.)

>Nervous censors in China delay release >of "Sayuri".
>Stars accused of treachery for >playing 'prostitutes' as outrage and >old hatreds smoulder over Tokyo's >wartime atrocities

I have learned of above today on Yahoo Japan news. At the beginning I did not know what movie they were talking about then realized Sayuri (the name of the heroin) is the Japanese title for Memoir of a Geisha. Guess they decided that the original title or its translation in Japanese would not work for Japanese market. Maybe they don't like the use of the word "Geisha" in the title.

Being Japanese I'm not particularly interested to see this movie. I'm a regular movie goer and today I went to see "Mrs Henderson Presents" (deligthful movie - great performances by Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins - by the way) and saw the preview of Memoirs of Geisha before it. The preview did not show it that good. My being Japanese may be a handicap to enjoy the movie fully. I would be somehow distaracted by the fact that main actresses are not Japanese and that all speak English. I might go see it but as just another movie and not necessarily expecting something about real Japan. A market scene looked maybe Asian but not Japanese. I might fairly enjoy it. I did like "Last Samurai" but there were special circumstances. I saw it in my nice Venice hotel room one night on a big LCD screen. (On the other hand, I had no interest at all in Shogun. That was a long time ago, wasn't it?.)

Sorry I sent the first post by mistake before it's finished. 2nd one should make more sense.

I saw it a few weeks ago. It had all the famous Chinese actors: Zhang Zi yi, Michelle You, and Gong Li. The plot was excellent and really pulls you into the movie, but it was a bit disturbing hearing the Chinese accent in English. The actors were taught to speak with a Japanese accent, and it sounded a bit odd at some points. Gong Li did a great job being the "evil" geisha who got enraged and angry, especially with her expressions on her face, but once she started to speak in English, she didn't sound as angry. Otherwise, I believe it was done pretty well.

Reviews by Australian movie critics have been lukewarm at best. If there's a consensus, it's that the ironic tone of the book was lost, and that the whole thing is somewhat soulless and fails to engage the watcher's emotions or intellect - pretty, but superficial. I read and enjoyed the book, but I plan to pass on the flick.

I had the pleasure of seeing this film the other day. Everything about this movie was absolutely outstanding! From the acting, the story line, to the fabulous camera work and cinematography to costuming, and music background.
It is my opinion and only my opinion...who cares wheather an actor is Japanese playing a Chinese roll or viseversa. After seeing all the front runners in the theatre, I hope it recieves movie of the year because it deserves it.

They are actors, for goodness sakes....that's what they do...THEY ACT!!! They are performers,artists, entertainers....I don't see what the big deal is....what about Yul Brynner and Chow Yun Fat who played a Thai King in The King & I and Anna & the King....they both did a great job...and what about Jodie foster who played an English teacher? What about Lucy Liu playing a Japanese in Kill Bill? and Heath Ledger playing a Texan Cowboy in Brokeback Mountain...what about Russell Crowe playing Jim Braddock in Cinderella Man....what about the whole cast of Lord of the Rings???? The list goes on....You would think the audiences these days are mature enough to look past these miniscule concerns and enjoy the movie for what it is instead of judging it solely based on the nationality of its actors!!!!! I guess there will always be critics no matter how good a film is.....I bet if the actors were all Japanese, then Rob Marshall will be picked on for not being a Japanese director!!!

wait a minute, you mean those actors in LOTR weren't real Hobbits?

ladyice,
Go girl...I was even thinking of the Godfather....how many of those mobsters were played by Italians and Sicilians ?
It's only Hollywood !!!

Actually, it's not only Hollywood...Many movies from China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and Hong Kong all have different nationality actors....obviously the reasons are apparent..they are chosen because they are good actors, they look good and they bring in the big bucks....what's wrong with that? The House of Flying Daggers had main actors from Hong Kong, China and Taiwan/Japanese!! Did anyone say anything?

Ladyice
Your absolutely right. When are people going to buy a ticket, popcorn, and just enjoy the show ??