Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Michelle Yeoh: Mameha
Photos
Quotes
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Mameha : Water is powerful. It can wash away earth, put out fire, and even destroy iron.
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Mameha : [explaining sex to Sayuri] Every once in a while, a man's "eel" likes to visit a woman's... "cave."
Sayuri Nitta : Yes, I know.
Mameha : You do?
Sayuri Nitta : I live with Hatsumomo.
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Mameha : [in voiceover] Remember, Chiyo, geisha are not courtesans. And we are not wives. We sell our skills, not our bodies. We create another secret world, a place only of beauty. The very word "geisha" means artist and to be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art.
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Hatsumomo : [entertaining at the teahouse] Sayuri. A name as sweet as she is. I'm afraid these days even the common chambermaid can call herself a geisha. So, it's nice to see such a sincere young maiko, isn't it?
Mameha : [to Sayuri] Surely you would like to thank Hatsumomo for her gracious compliments.
Sayuri Nitta : [serving tea] There is so much I would like to say to Hatsumomo.
Hatsumomo : [laughing] Sometimes the smartest remark is silence
Sayuri Nitta : What better advise to follow than your own.
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Mameha : [to Chiyo] Your cave is untouched. Men like that. We call this "mizuage". And to become a full geisha, you must sell it to the highest bidder.
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Mameha : [speaking of Nobu] What is he to think? He safeguarded your life.
Sayuri Nitta : So now he owns it?
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Mameha : You have a gift for expression.
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Mameha : I'm wonder why Mrs. Nitta has not adopted Hatsumomo?
Sayuri Nitta : That would be like releasing the tiger from its cage.
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Mameha : [while teaching Sayuri] You cannot call yourself a truse geisha until you can stop a man in his tracks with a single look.
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Mameha : We do not become Geisha to pursue our own destinies. We become Geisha because we have no other choice.
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Mameha : [about the Baron losing the bidding] No man would bid so much for a thing he had already taken.
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Narrator (Old Sayuri) : The winter I turned fifteen I saw the chairman again, but that wasn't the only surprise fate brought me that season. Along with the snow came a most unexpected visitor.
Mother : Why is she here? Chiyo, Chiyo, open the gate!
[motioning for her to open the door and straigtening herself before going to her table]
Mameha : Now that your beloved granny has gone you have no need for a maid.
Mother : I would never question the great Mameha, but you could choose anyone in the Hanamachi.
Mameha : You flatter me, truly.
[bowering her head in compliment]
Mother : I would give you my pumpkin if she weren't already tied to Hatsumomo.
Mameha : Please I would never dream of asking
Mother : Besides, I can always sell Chiyo to Mrs. Tetsuyo.
[smoking her cigerette]
Mameha : With your eye for beauty and nose for talent,surely you can see what a terrible waste that would be.
Mother : If you were not the kind hearted Geisha I know you to be, then I might think that you werescheming against Hatsumomo.
[looking towards the door where Chiyo and Pumpkin are listening]
Mameha : Then I'm grateful Mrs. Nita that you don't have a suspicious mind.
Mother : Perhaps you can pique my interest with... your offer.
Mameha : I will cover Chiyo's schooling, all her expenses, until after her debut.
[proposing as she slides her cup across the table]
Mother : Now I am confident that you are teasing.
[pouring more tea]
Mameha : I could not be more sincere. If Chiyo has not repaid her debt within six months after her debut.
Mother : [scoffing] Impossible, too little time!
Mameha : Then I will pay you twice over.
[uping the offer]
Mother : What...? No Geisha could ever...
[pushing the tea towards Mameha]
Mameha : And I am certain you will not object to one trivial condition.
Mother : Uh yes...?
[puts down pipe, listening intently]
Mameha : If Chiyo erases her debt in the time allowed, You will not have any part in her future earnings.
Mother : [smirks in acceptance]
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Sayuri Nitta : About your kimono...
Mameha : There's no need to apoligize. I'm not foolish. Hatsumomo cannot tolerate competition.
Sayuri Nitta : She is jealous of you?
Mameha : Not me I'm afraid. Someone closer to home.