Sakuran [DVD]

Sakuran (cherry blossom) is the debut film of renowned Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa and the relationship clearly shows - the colours are brilliant and it seems every scene has been chosen to work as a photoshot.The story revolves around a little girl that gets sold into the 'red lantern district' in Yoshiwara and who in spite of being pretty contrary progresses through the ranks, all the way to becoming the chief courtesan (oiran) of the house. There are several issues the movie touches upon but overall one does not get the impression of the courtesan job being glorified or prettified. There is a lot of jealousy and petty infighting between the 'sisters', all of them are basically confined into a small insular world and they cannot escape their environs, nor their fate, unless they are bought by successful merchants as wifes.A more or less complete cycle from joining to being elevated to top rank is being shown but the view is slightly more positive and promising than in  Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter And Spring [2004] [DVD ] - one gets the impression that change, while slow and in small steps only, is possible and the movie generally ends on a positive note.While the story is fairly well done, and not prettified beyond realistic, what sells this movie is the visuals, first and foremost. In terms of colour, the only thing on the same plane would be something like  Hero [DVD] [2002 ] and as mentioned the cinematography, the scene design etc. are all first rate and the movie is worth seeing for that alone. The modern, mostly European, soundtrack generally complements the action well, even if it might have the odd traditionalist frowning.The acting is decent, too and while Anna Tsuchiya does a better job in  Kamikaze Girls [2005] [DVD ] in my opinion this is still a very solid performance on her part. One can say that the acting of the others is solid, too, although they do tend to fade into the background somewhat, the movie being fairly focused on the one person only. The only criticism is that the movie could be a tad shorter, more compact.Overall, though, if you are interested in Japan, or photography, the lives of geishas or simply enjoy a decent movie, you are likely to be satisfied with what's on offer here.

At first I thought this would be an average film, recreating Edo's "Floating World" but not really exciting me. I was in for a surprise. In fact I enjoyed it so much I wrote a review on Amazon for the first time in years.The Yoshiwara is lovingly summoned from the depths of history in great colour and detail. We can believe that we're really there and are exposed to the place in all its glory and warts. Some reviewers have said that this film wasn't dark enough, but sometimes an overly dramatic and dark film can divert a viewer's attention from what the director is trying to convey. When Tsuchiya's character feels pain, we feel it clearly. When things are going right for her, we don't necessarily assume that it's a window of relief in a sea of torment.Tsuchiya's acting is excellent and believable, unlike the dreary Memoirs of a Geisha. We're cheering her character on, as she has a very simple desire - to get out of the Yoshiwara on her own two feet. There's no silly rivalry throughout the whole film, even if there is some present. It's all about the leading lady and her experiences in "history's oldest profession". When I say that this is how Memoirs of a Geisha should have been, I'm talking about the book as well as the film. Golden's story lacks humanity, which is no surprise that it's a twisted version of the geiko Mineko Isawaki's life story (read "Geisha of Gion" if you want to see how "Sayuri" really lived).About the soundtrack, it is somewhat strange and certainly not to be expected for a film that deals with old Japan, especially something as "beautiful" as the Floating World. But it sets the tone for the film very well. This isn't a tragedy or an idealised page of Japan's history. It was very much a real and vibrant world, no different from the one we live in now. There was kindness, cruelty, jealousy, greed and love. As much as the world changes, it stays the same. The music might just help remind you of this.

another reviewer mentioned the modern music in this film...but for me..this ruined the beautiful settings,this has been done before in the kirten dunst film "marie antoinette" where they played sioushi and the banshees music!!!!! and also moulin rouge had modern music in the "can can" scene...please keep it real with the right music..

I love this movie. I have seen it 4 times and loved it everytime.Don't be fooled by its traditional costume, this movie is not a typical movie about geisha. This movie is packed with raw emotions from someone who unfortunately destined to be a Sakuran. It showed how she defined Sakuran in her styles and ways, how she struggles to make her life hers. This is the best geisha-alike movie I have seen (better than Memoir of a Geisha).Anna Tsuchiya is the best cast for the main character. I can't think of anyone else who could play Sakuran as suitably as her. Firstly, she is not traditional. Her personality had helped shape this main character, I reckon.For those who is intrigued by the life of a geisha, you shouldn't pass this film. Get it and watch it! You'll love it, I promise.

this is a fantastic film with a wonderful soundtrack that works very well with the period drama. i think it's historic detail is very good and reflects something of what life was like in the red light districs of Edo Japan. during this period, the red light districs in Japan were regulated, for example, prostitutes had to have their obi, or kimono sash, tied at the front to signify their profession, where as other Japanese women (including Geisha, who are profession entertainers for men, NOT PROSTITUTES) had their obi tied at the back. also courtisans had the most elaborate hair styles and hair combs, quite accurately dipicted in the film. also, the most beautiful courtisans were highly sort after and could command high fees from their clients and could also choose who they went with. in summery, this is a fantastic film and i highly recommend it