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Exotic, sensuous, exquisitely mysterious. For centuries, the seductive grace of the Japanese Geisha has fascinated and confounded outsiders who attempt to fathom this secretive world of tradition, intrigue, and pleasure. Now, enter a realm once known only to the rich and powerful. Go beyond the popular Western misconception of the Geisha as little more than a high-priced call-girl. And discover the 400-year history of a profession where women devoted decades to the mastery of music, conversation, and the fine art of massaging the male ego. Witness the darker side of the Geisha, from tales of sexual treachery and suicide to their role in the fall of a hierarchy of political leaders as recently as 1989. From legendary Geisha of the past, to young women devoted to the profession in modern Japan, THE SECRET LIFE OF GEISHA offers an unprecedented glimpse into this ancient, enigmatic phenomenon. DVD Features: Glossary; Geisha Points of Distinction; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection
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Reviews:
A surprise in that it is EXCELLENT! --
I was somewhat skeptical ordering this, as I've another A&E DVD which is mediocre. This one actually blew me away with its thoroughness and detail, beginning with the origins of geisha, and following through history, with archive footage and interviews with geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha).
This was apparently made as result of the bestselling status of the novel "Memoirs of a Geisha," and before the film based upon that novel, so it is an excellent resource against which to measure the criticisms of, expecially the film, for alleged "inaccuracies". I recommend that those who press those criticisms take some time off to see this documentary, and the actual "Memoirs" film.
And throughout are the exquisitely beautiful kimono -- from the brightly colored silks worn by maiko, to the subtle and soft pastels worn by full geisha! Almost by themselves worth the price of admission.
Also includes interviews with "Memoirs of a Geisha" author Golden, and Liza Dalby, the only Westerner to ever become a geisha. A can't-miss for the abundant detail based upon extensive research.
And the Sarandan narration is fine.
OK for a peek
I more or less made it through this documentary, finally getting past the annoying first 15 minutes with its repeated tease about how secret and exclusive the geisha life is, yet the life of the geisha eludes this film and the veil of secrecy is not lifted.
Liza Dalby provides spirited commentary with a soulful appreciation of the geisha life, and Arthur Golden (whose book "Memoirs of a Geisha" actually gives a much more accessible look at the hidden world) also discusses context and background. But not being able to understand any of the untranslated Japanese banter between geisha and customer makes us have to take on faith that they're charming conversationalists.
It's a good historical overview and the kimono are beautiful, but, again, there's little technical discussion even of the wardrobe, and one gets the sense that the subjects agreed to be filmed but also privately decided not to let the viewer pass through the mystique into real understanding.
Overall worth watching, but no need to buy.
A good documentary for its time, featuring Arthur Golden, Liza Dalby, Peter MacIntosh, and others (a selection of geisha and maiko from Gion, Atami, Tokyo, Shimoda, etc.). Susan Sarandon's accent is tolerable for American ears, but you probably won't want to watch it more than twice. Despite the candid presentation, there is a clear sense of a cultural 'gap'. As Golden recounts his questions about mizuage, the infamous de-flowering of a virgin maiko (and pre-WWII practice), he was reminded that Japanese traditionally don't kiss on the lips - a shocking revelation for the Western audience. Similarly the presentation of the Kyoto geisha Oyuki (who would be the unlikely wife of J.P. Morgan's nephew, George) is given somewhat sentimental treatment. Clearly the target audience of this documentary must be old enough to remember that 'people just didn't marry Orientals in those days'.
If you're thinking about getting the DVD over the VHS, it's really not worth it unless you don't have a VCR. The special features are little more than a brief glossary of terms, a side-by-side comparison of maiko-geiko and geiko-oiran descriptions. Perhaps they give American audiences too much credit, since the average Westerner wouldn't know all the differences between a maiko vs. geiko vs. courtesan without images. Also, the DVD cover art is stock photography of a poorly costumed woman. Trust me - you don't want a closer look at the ratty wig, bizarre hair ornaments, and butchered kimono - crossed right over left no less.
GENTLEMEN PREFER GEISHAS
Wonderfully informative ! Colorful and exciting lives of girls whos only goal is to please gentlemen of wealth and culture. The highest officials and diplomats certainly enjoy the pleasures of Geisha!!! Its an eye opener!
Fascinating History about Geisha
I bought this DVD after reading Memoirs of a Geisha for our book club. This was a fascinating DVD and a great accompaniment to the book, because it describes and shows real Geisha. It includes interviews with the author of Memoirs and also the first Caucasian geisha. It delves into the history of the geisha and explains the differences between them and prostitutes and where the belief that they were one and the same probably originated. Susan Sarandon narrates this DVD and does an excellent job. Her voice is perfect for the voice-overs.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of the Geisha.
