Post by ZapRowsdower on Dec 31, 2005 1:23:36 GMT -5
Memoirs of a Geisha
Drama, 2005
Ziyi Zhang, Michelle Yeoh, Li Gong, Ken Watanabe
Produced by Lucy Fisher, John DeLuca, Steven Spielberg and Douglas Wick
Written by Robin Swicord and Doug Wright, based on the novel by Arthur Golden
Directed by Rob Marshall
"A story like mine... has never been told." Hearing Ziyi Zhang say that in the trailer was troubling to my ears. I wasn't alone in being bothered by her accent. To me, this was one of those movies that would have been better off in Japanese, with English subtitles. However, considering some of the cast was Chinese, that would be somewhat difficult.
I've heard of the "mixed reviews" before going in to see the film. I vowed never to go to Rottentomatoes.com again, so I don't know the actual breakdown. However, I was a little let down in hearing that, because I thought Rob Marshall's Chicago was absolutely brilliant. So to hear that he would make something that was just so-so, that was troubling for me to hear.
Still, I had to go in. I had to see if Ziyi's performance was worthy of her Golden Globe nomination, and most of all, I just wanted to form my own opinion on it.
The Good:
--This was one of the most beautiful-looking films I have ever seen. Every single visual aspect of the movie was perfect. The set design, the costumes, and the cinematography should win (not only get nominated, but WIN) Oscars.
--The original score (John Williams) was almost as beautiful as the movie looks.
--The accents didn't bother me, at all. Which surprised me. You kinda forget that they are Japanese people speaking English after a while.
--Rob Marshall's direction helped make the movie look real good.
Didn’t Hurt It, Didn’t Help:
--The performances. I really wasn't moved. They weren't bad performances, but I didn't see anything Oscar-worthy.
The Bad:
--It's sad that a movie that looks so beautiful on the surface be somewhat average underneath. Don't get me wrong, I liked the movie. But the story wasn't as appealing as I had hoped.
The Ugly:
--Too long. 2 1/2 hours is too long for a story like this. A story like that may never have been told, but should have been told a lot quicker.
Memorable Scene:
--Not any particular scene, but I will always remember this movie for its sets, cinematography, costumes and direction.
Acting: 6/15
Story: 12/20
Atmosphere: 10/10
Cinematography: 10/10
Character Development: 12/20
Costumes: 10/10
Dialogue: 16/20
Music: 10/10
Direction: 22/25
Overall: 77%
Drama, 2005
Ziyi Zhang, Michelle Yeoh, Li Gong, Ken Watanabe
Produced by Lucy Fisher, John DeLuca, Steven Spielberg and Douglas Wick
Written by Robin Swicord and Doug Wright, based on the novel by Arthur Golden
Directed by Rob Marshall
"A story like mine... has never been told." Hearing Ziyi Zhang say that in the trailer was troubling to my ears. I wasn't alone in being bothered by her accent. To me, this was one of those movies that would have been better off in Japanese, with English subtitles. However, considering some of the cast was Chinese, that would be somewhat difficult.
I've heard of the "mixed reviews" before going in to see the film. I vowed never to go to Rottentomatoes.com again, so I don't know the actual breakdown. However, I was a little let down in hearing that, because I thought Rob Marshall's Chicago was absolutely brilliant. So to hear that he would make something that was just so-so, that was troubling for me to hear.
Still, I had to go in. I had to see if Ziyi's performance was worthy of her Golden Globe nomination, and most of all, I just wanted to form my own opinion on it.
The Good:
--This was one of the most beautiful-looking films I have ever seen. Every single visual aspect of the movie was perfect. The set design, the costumes, and the cinematography should win (not only get nominated, but WIN) Oscars.
--The original score (John Williams) was almost as beautiful as the movie looks.
--The accents didn't bother me, at all. Which surprised me. You kinda forget that they are Japanese people speaking English after a while.
--Rob Marshall's direction helped make the movie look real good.
Didn’t Hurt It, Didn’t Help:
--The performances. I really wasn't moved. They weren't bad performances, but I didn't see anything Oscar-worthy.
The Bad:
--It's sad that a movie that looks so beautiful on the surface be somewhat average underneath. Don't get me wrong, I liked the movie. But the story wasn't as appealing as I had hoped.
The Ugly:
--Too long. 2 1/2 hours is too long for a story like this. A story like that may never have been told, but should have been told a lot quicker.
Memorable Scene:
--Not any particular scene, but I will always remember this movie for its sets, cinematography, costumes and direction.
Acting: 6/15
Story: 12/20
Atmosphere: 10/10
Cinematography: 10/10
Character Development: 12/20
Costumes: 10/10
Dialogue: 16/20
Music: 10/10
Direction: 22/25
Overall: 77%
