Memoirs of a Geisha 4K 2005 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

A lovely little girl from a poor Japanese family is sent to work as a servant in a geisha house. Over the years, the beautiful girl blossoms and learns all the secrets of this profession. The most influential men fall under the spell of a famous geisha named Sayuri, who has achieved perfection in her art. But in Sayuri’s heart burns a love for the one over whom her charms hold no power.

Review 4K Movie

One must speak with the utmost caution when discussing the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun—Japan. Our mindset, our culture, and our way of life are much closer to the Western model of human behavior. That is why it is sometimes so difficult for us to understand the spiritual world of this great country. Indeed, for half of Russia’s population—and perhaps even more—the profession of a geisha is associated with the activities of sex workers, a concept familiar to us. I am ashamed to admit that, due to my own ignorance, I thought exactly that for many years. The turning point in my healing was the stunning and mesmerizing film about the skilled young women of Japan, *Memoirs of a Geisha*.

The film tells the story of Japan’s most famous geisha, who wrote a book about her own life, and the Americans went on to make a movie based on it. When Americans get involved, you can expect a film that’s anything but ordinary (I hope!). Director Rob Marshall (the creator of the equally unforgettable *Chicago*, which is also hard to ignore!) made a very wise decision to cast native practitioners of that culture in the lead roles. I was only slightly disappointed when I learned that most of the actors—and even the lead actress—are actually from China. But even that, in my opinion, isn’t a big deal. After all, they’re still representatives of the Eastern culture this wonderful film is about. We wouldn’t take offense if Ukrainians or Belarusians were to play us Russians. After all, we’re Slavic brothers and were one country for a long time. So, I’ve strayed from the main point: the story of a geisha is the story of an entire country, because it’s no coincidence that the film shows us those moments when, during Japan’s most difficult years, it was precisely the art of the geisha that helped people survive and keep love in their hearts, and also played a significant role in establishing diplomatic relations.

I really want to highlight the costumes and sets (it’s no coincidence that the Academy honored them with an Oscar). Everything is truly impressive. The performances of the main character, Chio (Sayori), leave no viewer in the theater watching the dance unmoved. This applies not only to us, the audience on this side of the screen, but also to the actors themselves, who so vividly conveyed the electric atmosphere in the hall—an atmosphere so intense that even the envious are left speechless.

The art of the geisha is the culture of the country. We’re unlikely to ever fully understand this: we have a different way of life, a different way of doing things, and, ultimately, different traditions. I just want to remind you, the viewers, that you shouldn’t treat this art form with vulgarity or disapproval, because it is precisely these magnificent and well-mannered women who continue to save many lives—and, as the film shows, even the reputation of entire countries. It’s painful to see, however, that under Western influence, this art form is losing its roots, and many members of this caste are straying from the image we find easier to accept (as in the case of Tykovka). I simply believe that if you are a true geisha, you are incapable of acting in a way that contradicts traditions and the art of giving people what they desire.

In conclusion, I can only say that this film does not merely tell the story of geishas’ lives; it points out to us Westerners that, without a second thought, we lose ourselves and our values, follow the dictates of fashion and established stereotypes, break long-standing traditions, and—most importantly—strive to imitate things that are sometimes indecent and vile. We don’t think much about this, but it’s worth reflecting on, because there is nothing better than preserving within ourselves the qualities and feelings that save the world: honor, love, loyalty, and willpower.