vism.net

http://www.movies.co.jp/sayuri/

Japanese trailer for an American made film based on an American written novel about the life of a Japanese geisha with mostly Chinese cast speaking English. I have never read the book, but I hear it’s good. Spielberg wanted to make this film awhile back, but now Rob Marshall (Chicago) is at the reigns. The lead actresses are Zhang Ziyi and Michelle Yeoh. Although they are decent actors, they are probably the least Japanese looking ones you could find. But I suppose most Americans don’t know the difference, and they just need lead actors that people will recognize. Another thing is the majority of the film is shot in Los Angeles. What’s funny is, if you ever been to the Huntington Library in Pasadena, you will recognize their Japanese garden in the movie.

With this cast and crew, I know the Japanese essence will be lost somewhere. After all, it’s a story seen through the eyes of Westerners and retold for a Western audience. I am curious how Zhang Ziyi’s acting in English will be. She’s been in a couple American films and has had a total of 4 lines.