Memoirs of a Geisha is a visually stunning but deeply flawed adaptation of Arthur Golden’s novel. Zhang Ziyi delivers a compelling performance, even if the film’s casting choices is to be criticized with Chinese actors playing Japanese roles.
Beyond casting, the movie simplifies the complexities of geisha life, leaning into Western romanticization rather than historical accuracy. While undeniably beautiful, it often feels more like an exoticized fantasy than a faithful depiction of its subject.
