Memoirs of a Geisha - how does Hollywood's rendition impact Nikkei?
There's been a lot of controversy and discussion surrounding the novel and now the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. Although it's about Japanese, and not directly Nikkei, I think there will still be some repercussions and affect, even if indirect. This movie may potentially shape some people's sense or stereotypes about people of Japanese descent. I have not yet read the book or seen the movie (has anyone read or seen it?), but it's interesting to read the discussions and postings by people out on the net. Some are offended, some are downright angry, and some are taking a wait-and-see approach: "Memoirs of a Geisha": Pandering to American Ignorance Giant Robot's forum - some very angry people There's also been news coverage of the controversies surrounding the film and the decision to cast Asian (primarily Chinese) actresses for the main roles rather than Japanese: 'Memoirs of a Geisha' Premieres in Japan Hollywood geisha raise eyebrows in Asia I also found a public program from the National Association of Japan-America Societies that relates to the topic of the Asian Mystique: KOREA, JAPAN, AND THE ASIAN MYSTIQUE It's with author Sheridan Prasso who has written a book The Asian Mystique: Dragon Ladies, Geisha Girls and Our Fantasies of the Exotic Orient What do other people think? Are people being too sensitive? Too insensitive? 
I heard that the director had a total disregard for political correctness, history and courtesy. I guess the original make-up artist was a JA woman famous in the industry. She mentioned to the director that the make-up and kimonos were not accurate and he apparently told her "This isn't a f*cking history lesson". And then she promptly quit. I don't know how accurate this story is, but it seems to fit the director's MO. |
i was a little bothered by the mostly chinese cast. ok, extremely agitated. im sure there's a beautiful talented japanese or nikkei actress somewhere. is it wrong to be perturbed? i really didn't care when puerto rican jennifer lopez was cast as late mexican singer selena. just another double standard i suppose.