Its story is set in 1920s Japan, and focuses on Nitta Sayuri, who is taken from her home at age nine and sold to a geisha house.

We follow her transformation as she undergoes training to become a geisha, learning how to dance, sing, play music, wear a kimono, apply elaborate make-up, pour sake, etc.

Eventually, she attracts the amorous attentions of two men -- the chairman (Ken Watanabe) and Nobu (Koji Yakusho).

The film project became controversial when Marshall cast three non-Japanese actresses in its lead roles -- Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li and Michelle Yeoh. Some people felt that this indicated that the production might not be a culturally or historically accurate film.

But, Marshall assured them that he had great respect for Japanese culture, and asked the Japanese members of the cast to tell him when he got things wrong during shooting.

For their part, the non-Japanese lead actresses were initially intimidated when they were told that they were playing geishas. Gong Li said she didn?t think she could do it at first, but after a six-week geisha ?boot camp,? during which they were taught dance, the Japanese language, and how to play the shamisen, she found it an unforgettable experience.

All the same, Marshall thinks it?s appropriate to point out that ?Memoirs of a Geisha? began as a novel written by an American, Arthur Golden, for American readers, so absolute authenticity shouldn?t be expected.

Japanese actress Kaori Momoi agrees: I realized that the story is told through the eyes of an American, and for the film further filtered through an American director?s lens. In the end, I think this modern twist on geishas will appeal to younger audiences.

Marshall has the last word on the film: The geisha world we?re vivifying is beautiful and mysterious. A lot of people have forgotten or still don?t know what geishas really are. Golden wanted to lift that veil in his book, and in our movie, we honor a world full of beauty, joy and heartbreak.

Also being talked about on the Asian film scene is ?Blade of the Rose,? the sequel to the Hong Kong 2003 hit, ?The Twins Effect.?

?Blade? is one of the Chinese movie industry?s most expensive fantasy epics, with a slight reference to ?Lord of the Rings,? at least in terms of scope.

The movie sets its story in Huadu, an ancient land ruled by a cruel empress. In fact, in the entire country, women have total dominion over men. But, trouble threatens when a prophecy is made about a boy who will rise to seize power and restore control to the male regime.

Popular Hong Kong stars Charlene Choi and Gillian Chung join brothers Char and Leaf in a quest for treasure. Their journey leads to a master swordsman, who also wants to overthrow the empress.

Boosting the movie?s star appeal is the special participation of Jackie Chan and his son, Jaycee, who?s making his screen debut in the movie, which is currently showing in Manila.

Source: /www.inq7.net"">m7q.net"