更新时间:2015-05-21

艺伎的真实生活:From Resplendency to Recession—Review on “The Secret Life of Geisha”

Although shot in 1999, “The Secret Life of Geisha” is still a masterpiece to this day. By introducing the history, rise and current stage of geisha arts, the film displays the unique Japanese culture to the audience.

Originated from the ancient Japanese imperial court, geisha used to be female entertainers serving the high-class social gatherings. As time went by, it gradually turned into a renowned profession. Other than offering sexual enjoyment, geisha serve tea, play the samisen (a kind of Japanese instrument) and dance to please their clients.

Geisha began their training at quite a young age. They are bounded to the geisha house to pay back their high training fee. Some senior geisha will move out to lead an independent life. Yet most geisha keep single lifelong as marriage means the end of their profession.

The daily dress code and make-up of geisha are very exquisite and demanding. It will usually take them hours to put on their kimonos properly. Especially the obi should be knotted in the back instead of the front. That’s an obvious difference between geisha and prostitutes. Obis are tied in the front for prostitutes to loosen easily by themselves while in the back for geisha unable to untie without the help of others.

Delicate appearance and decent etiquette do contribute to the glory of geisha. Yet in the fast paced modern society, how many people still have spare money and patience to appreciate this art? No wonder simplified geisha shows are booming at scenic spots as another way of handing down the tradition. No one could tell whether on earth this transfer means revival or recession to geisha.