Memoirs of a Geisha (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition)

Movie / Show Details

Rob Marshall directed this 2005 drama about a young girl in pre-WWII Japan who is separated from her family and enters a geisha house. There she must learn the traditions, beauty standards, and survival skills required to become a celebrated entertainer. The film stars Gong Li, Ziyi Zhang, Michelle Yeoh, Ken Watanabe, and Koji Yakusho, and is based on Arthur Golden’s novel, adapted by Robin Swicord.

This two-disc widescreen DVD edition runs 145 minutes and is rated PG-13. Columbia Pictures released it with extensive bonus features on the second disc, including eleven featurettes exploring the film’s Oscar-nominated production design, costumes, and score. Additional supplements cover the book-to-screen adaptation, the actresses’ training to master geisha movement and grace, director Marshall’s approach to casting, and behind-the-scenes footage of the performers learning specialized skills like dancing in platform flip-flops. The set also includes two audio commentaries. Own this visually stunning adaptation on physical media at a used price.