Hollywood and Memoirs of a Geisha

Author: Ai Milri
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: Who is right or wrong? What are prejudice, promises, and truth? Are geishas prostitutes? Watch Zhang Ziyi! Watch Gong Li! Watch Michelle Yeoh! The real journey behind the hustle and bustle! The global hit Oscar-nominated Hollywood blockbuster Memoirs of a Geisha reveals the truth in an exclusive and comprehensive way! "Is there not enough prejudice in this world? Making a film like Memoirs of a Geisha allows audiences to transcend national boundaries and discover the universality of human emotions behind cultural curtains." "As producers, we firmly oppose the ignorance and sluggishness that lead to this cultural scrutiny." — Steven Spielberg "My only criterion is finding the right person for the role." "I'm not making a documentary about the world of geishas." — Robert Marshall "Geishas are part of Japan's long-standing culture." "There are three important female roles in the film, and all three are played by Chinese actresses." "So I have a big question: Can a work that embodies Japan's long-standing culture also embody Asian values?" — Chen Kaige "I don't oppose Chinese actors, but why can't we do more research and find a Japanese actress to play the lead? I'm sure there are at least a dozen young Japanese actresses (or Japanese Americans) who could successfully play any of the main roles to a large extent. Is it simply because there are no famous Japanese actresses?" — Online comments
As the film Memoirs of a Geisha swept the globe in a hotly anticipated release, culminating in its challenge for the Oscars, it triggered an entertainment "earthquake" in China, sparking fierce debates and becoming an overwhelming cultural focal point. Almost all the controversy centered around three renowned Chinese actresses: Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li, and Michelle Yeoh. In fact, they are also currently China's most globally influential actresses. This is also their first time, and indeed China's first time, to play major roles in Hollywood's most important films, alongside the world's top producers and directors. For the Chinese, who have long harbored Oscar ambitions, it is also the first time Chinese actresses have stood so close to the Academy Award statue. This book uses extensive firsthand materials from major global media outlets to tell the story of a film and the shining stars it created, uncovering the truth hidden behind the fierce debates and glamour.