Opened: December 9, 2005

Directed by: Rob Marshall

Starring: Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe, Michelle Yeoh, Gong Li, Kōji Yakusho, Kaori Momoi, Suzuka Ohgo, Shizuko Hoshi, Youki Kudoh, Zoe Weizenbaum, Samantha Futerman, Mako, Elizabeth Sung, Kotoko Kawamura, Tsai Chin, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Kenneth Tsang, Eugenia Yuan, Karl Yune, Ted Levine, Paul Adelstein, Togo Igawa, Randall Duk Kim, Navia Nguyen, Faith Shin, Yoko Narahashi, Takayo Fischer & Nobu Matsuhisa

Although the casting of three Chinese actresses in Japanese geisha roles is frowned upon, Memoirs of a Geisha is a beautifully told story.

Young Chiyo (Suzuka Ohgo) is sold to “Mother” Nitta (Kaori Momoi). After many mistakes, Chiyo (Ziyi Zhang) lives as Mother’s slave until Mameha (Michelle Yeoh) offers to train her as a geisha. Chiyo longs to find a man (Ken Watanabe) who was kind to her.

Hatsumomo (Gong Li) quickly becomes a character you’ll love to hate. When she makes her exit, there’s an energy that’s lost the rest of the film. Zhang and Yeoh are graceful and show multiple layers under the “perfect” characters.

Director Rob Marshall favors style over substance and loses strength in the film’s final act during World War II but ultimately tells a story that others wouldn’t.

Final say: Strong pros outweigh cons. ★★★☆☆