Memoirs of an Oldboy
Now that the annual "Late Fall Shitty Movie Season" has passed, where studios dump their cinematic load-fests that weren't quality enough to come out in the winter, or marketable enough to come out in the Summer, it looks like it's finally safe to venture back into the theaters.
Of the crop of movies I want to see on the big screen (King Kong, Narnia, Memoirs of a Geisha, Harry Potter and Rent), Geisha ended up being the first.
"Geisha" is basically a Cinderella story with the exception of Cinderella selling her virginity to the highest bidder. Subtle difference. I really enjoyed this movie, it served up everything I was expecting- beautiful settings of tea houses and gardens and a glimpse into a secretive Asian society. The main draw for this movie is gorgeous direction, courtesy of "Chicago"'s Rob Marshall.
Not an earth-shattering story dramatically, but definitely worth seeing if you are intrigued. I really liked the fact that "Geisha" is a big-budget Hollywood film with Asian actors in every leading role, although the film is drawing fire for casting Chinese actresses for the two leads instead of Japanese.
Also this weekend I checked out a Korean movie called "Oldboy". Dave rec commended it via the "friends" feature on Netflix. (P.S., that guy is into some seriously crazy ass movies. Let's just leave it at that. )
The premise is that an average businessman is suddenly abducted and held in a prison-like hotel room...for 15 years. That's only the beginning. The bulk of the film takes place in the 5 days after his sudden release. His mission is to discover who jailed him ...and why. It's clever, extremely well shot, filled with surprises, and of course super-violent. There are some amazing never-ending battle scenes involving just about any object within reach becoming a deadly weapon. Aside from a few over-suspensions of disbelief, this one is really worth checking out - it's much more unique than the standard John Woo type action thriller. Be ready for a few maniacal hammer-wielding battle orgies though, and a "happy" ending that will make you feel slightly uncomfortable. And by "slightly uncomfortable" I mean "badly disturbed".
Comments
Hello Mr. Isaacs
I saw Oldboy not too long ago, that shit was crazy... The landlady's "lion's roar" and the incest and all that. My goodness!
I was so disturbed by it that I have forgetten exactly what happened at the end.
Narnia was alright, could have been soo much better if the battles weren't so 'G' rated. I think the fighting needs a bit more blood and guts to be believable. But, well, it's Disney. That's no disrespect to Disney, I love Disney. They're just really kid-friendly.
Can't wait to see Memoirs.
I hope you have a great Christmas and that no candy canes get stabbed violently into anyones eyes.
much love from your fan and friend,
M8
Posted by: mortisha8 | December 23, 2005 06:27 PM
I finally saw Batman Begins last night. Still trying to catch up on the last 2 years of movies.
Like many people, I will not see Geisha. I have too much respect for the Japanese culture and the tortured history between the Chinese and Japanese to watch Chinese actors who don't look or speak Japanese play traditional Japanese roles. I am very disappointed that Spielberg allowed his crew to make such bad casting decisions. My perspective is based on living in Japan a long time and working in both Japan and China. However, I understand that most people do not share that perspective, which is OK.
Posted by: Mike | December 23, 2005 08:14 PM
I loved Memoirs of a Geisha. The book was absorbing. I was stunned by how the visuals of my mind while reading the book were recreated on screen perfectly. One of the best movie's I've seen all year. I'd love to visit Japan someday. Sitting at the base of Mt. Fuji in some hot spring. That would be perfect.
Posted by: jj | December 28, 2005 03:16 PM
I have not seen the movie but the book was fabulous. I was sad when I finished because I loved the characters so much.
Posted by: healtopalm | January 5, 2006 02:10 PM