Memoirs of a Geisha

[hideko_dahlia]

I love the book, and I'm going to see the movie.... and all... BUT.

I'm really disappointed that almost the entire MAIN cast is Chinese. There's going to be some small idiosyncrasy that American audiences won't notice.... but I will. Just some small shread of cultural authenticity... *sigh* No use complaining, though.

[Clintykins]

I just saw a preview for it, it looks fab. I'm definitely going to see it. <3

[frogs]

Just to play devil's advocate (no, not the arcade game) I'm not sure it's such a huge issue. American actors play all kinds of other nationalities. And everyone else plays Americans. Do I mind? No.

I've heard it's an issue because of how the Japanese bullied the Chinese in the past. Well ok, the British bullied us... TWICE! And still I don't mind seeing Kate Winslett trying hard to be American (she really dropped it a few times in that "David Gale" movie).

Maybe I just give a girl more slack if she shows me her boobs.

But that's beside the point. Mel Gibson has played American roles and perhaps most famosly a Scotsman, and he's Australian. Brad Pitt played a German in a movie once I think. Irishman Colin Ferrell played a New Yorker. Peter Pan was played by a woman. I'm pretty sure the Harry Potter kid isn't a real wizard... ummm, I'm sorta running outta examples... but ya get the idea. This happens a lot. If the Japanese are all upset, maybe they should have made their own version of the movie. I don't mean to be disrespectful, I am the first to admit my ignorance to other cultures. But sometimes people lose focus on the fact that we are all still the same species. We're all pink on the inside.

[Rinoa]

Yeah, I really don't think it's a big deal that the lead role is played by someone who is Chinese. I think she's really talented and frogs had a good point about British people always playing Americans.

[White Rose Assassin]

*see post below*

[White Rose Assassin]

I love the book, and I'm going to see the movie.... and all... BUT.

I'm really disappointed that almost the entire MAIN cast is Chinese. There's going to be some small idiosyncrasy that American audiences won't notice.... but I will. Just some small shread of cultural authenticity... *sigh* No use complaining, though.

I think my biggest gripe as far as ethnicity has to do with the film that is has no real Japanese vision. You got a white director, a white writer, etc. I don't mean to come off as being racist or ethnocentric, but it feels like the Japanese does not have a say. Besides, the costumes are not even accurate. I read somewhere that the Japanese loathe this movie because of such. However, the Japanese admired Last Samurai.

However, having non-Japanese (but still of Asian descent) cast is better than how Hollywood did it in the old days. I cannot sit through Breakfast at Tiffany's without being disgusted by Mickey Rooney's portrayal of Holly Golighty's Japanese neighbor. It's revolting.

I really want to enjoy this movie. I love Asian culture. Yet, the idea of white dudes producing such a film bothers me. Then again, I'm not expecting a documetary, but I do want Hollywood to be sensitive to cultures. Though, I would love to see Japanese movie about geisha.

For the record, Michelle Yeoh is Maylasian. She just happens to star in HK movies. Yet, it is nice to see her in a movie where she's not kicking ass. ^^v

I do agree on the point that yes, someone Jewish like James Caan can get away playing an Italian or someone Italian like Al Pacino can get away playing a Cuban. You have to remember that this is Hollywood. As much as I'd love to see budding new talent from the Japanese, it's all about making money. Sad, but true.

[MaNa Shuffle]

I have the book. I read a lot if it (havent read all of it though).
The film looks intresting.
I'd get it when it comes out on DVD (Maybe....... )

In the book. some of the Japanese culture is intresting (some).

I like japanese stuff etc.............
I dont care if the Movie cast is in chinese or whatever. Im sure theres some Japanese cast too (even if theres one or 2 people Im sure of it).

[Azure]

Please avoid 'necro-posting' ( bumping really old threads) it messes up the board, the last post on here was Christmas eve!! Please look at the date when stuff is posted.

[MaNa Shuffle]

eh he.he... oops. sorry. I didn't Know lol,

Please forgive me.

[sakurastar]

MY biggest gripe is when Americans try to play English people and always fail miserably, because they come off having the exact same accents that no one actually uses in Britain. The only American actor to pull it off has been James Marsters in Buffy, and he was good.

Also, the reason why there was so much gripe over this wasn't because any one bullied anyone but because being a Geisha is something only Japanese do (according to them)