Great Moments In Cinema...

And TV - Part 38...

Taking the place of the "Orkney" post, and coming out of semi-retirement for one night, to feature the film I watched last night.

"Memoirs Of A Geisha"

I bought the DVD ages ago, after I read the book by Arthur Golden - which I really enjoyed. But I didn't watch the film, because I never seemed to be in the right "mood" for what I imagined would be quite a sad and hard-going story.

It's not... it is 2 hours or so of possibly the most beautiful cinematography I have ever watched.

My favourite scene is her "Winter Dance", which is kind of her maiden appearance, set to instigate a bidding war for her virginity...

Sony Pictures official site for the movie is here: Sony Pictures: Memoirs Of A Geisha
Its IMDb page is here: IMDb: Memoirs Of A Geisha

Directed by Rob Marshall ("Chicago"), it tells the story of Sayuri, taken from her fishing village at the age of 9, and sold into servitude at a Geisha okiya - and her rise from servant girl to the most prominent, and much sought-after, Geisha of the time... and of the unspoken love she held onto for "The Chairman" who was kind to her when he met her on the street when she first entered the okiya.

Treated cruelly by her jealous rival Hatsumomo and her protege, Pumpkin, the young Sayuri is mentored by Mameha, the celebrated Geisha at that time, and is taught the artistry of Geisha.

I don't want to give too much away if you haven't seen the film, but it does have its happy ending.

Trust me, it's a triumph, and deserves every award it won.

Why Should You See This Film?: Because it's beautiful, captivating, and so much more.