This is definitely one of Mizoguchi's greatest achievments. The character arch of the younger Geisha apprenticing to the older more expereinced one is fully realized. The dynamic of having the modern younger woman rebelling against the old ways rings true. Excellent performances all around. I have now seen Michiyo Kogure in several movies: The Drunken Angel; The Story of Madame Yuki; Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice; Street of Shame; and now A Geisha. I have to say that her range is quite impressive. And for this reason she's replaced my previous favourite actress Setsuko Hara. Setsuko is wonderful of course but basically plays the same role each time. Michiyo Kogure is different in every film. She even looks different each time. A Geisha is aptly titled as it is the most accurate depiction I've seen of what a Geisha's life is actually like. Beautifully photographed with a setting that comes alive for the viewer. The only flaw is perhaps the rather abrupt ending. Otherwise this is an excellent film.
Review of A Geisha
