Beautifully filmed, although, occasionally the match of image to word is a tad heavy handed. Ziyi Zhang of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is radiant, as real as the script allows. Her mid-film dance scene leaves the theatre resonating with the production's most dazzling and intense moment. She's perfect for the role, save for one small detail -- she's not Japanese. A tough casting decision that robs the film of some precious authenticity already a mite in question since it's based on a book written by an American male.

These hindrances can be overlooked -- and no doubt will be, by those who enjoy the film more than I. Besides a dismal visual mood, we witness innocence dashed and thwarted, and beaten far too many times for my tastes. And when justice finds film time, the scenes feel contrived and soapy.

Perhaps it's just because I'm a guy, but I found the best written relationship was between Chairman and Nobu. Both of these Japanese actors (Watanabe & Yakusho) deserve kudos for giving that friendship weight with very little screen time. That said, In my defense as a male reviewer ... I really enjoyed Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Director Rob Marshal (who also directed Chicago) said, "I had decided to tell Sayuri's story as an impression of time and place." Part of that telling was to cast Ziyi Zhang both as a 15 year-old and a 30 year-old. Unfortuantely, from this reviewer's seat, even the make-up of a Geisha doesn't make a 15-year passing of time apparent in her face.