Top 10 of 2005: #7

Memoirs of a Geisha dir. Rob Marshall

This was one of the most buzzed films to come out in 2005. When it did come out, the buzz quickly faded and a lot of critics did not like the movie. However, I am not in that majority. I saw this in the theatre with my friend and from the beginning frame, I was mesmerized. The set decoration and the costumes look so authentic and it was amazing to be transported back into that time of Japan. Rob Marshall is a great director and his shots of going down the roads of Kyoto are breathtaking to watch because you feel as if you are going down the streets yourself. Marshall also gets great performances from his cast. Ziyi Zhang gives an amazing breakthrough performance as Sayuri. She displays sexiness, courage and uncertainty. Michelle Yeoh displays wisdom and intelligence as Mameha and Ken Watanabe exudes nobility and strength as the Chairman. The best performance however in the film belongs to Gong Li as Hatsumomo, the reigning Geisha in Kyoto. This is one of the most evil and delicious performances I have ever seen. Li digs deep and brings out every emotion Hatsumomo is feeling and looks stunning while doing it as well. She should have gotten an Oscar nomination for her excellent work here and one of the best performances of her career. Marshall and his crew have executed a perfect adaptation of the book. This movie did not deserve all of the harsh criticism that it got. It is one of the best movies of 2005 and the best looking movie of 2005 as well.