You’re probably wondering why there is a review of a geisha movie on SCI-FI-LONDON? As anyone who has attended the festival knows we have eclectic tastes, and while most of the Japanese movies we show are either animated or strictly genre, there are the occasional ones that do defy categorisation or are simply great movies – and this is one of them.
Based on a manga by Moyoco Anno, this 18th Century-set film can be best described as MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA meets MARIE ANTOINETTE (Sofia Coppola’s 2006 costume drama), and although both those films won Oscar and Bafta trophies, in many respects SAKURAN is the better film.
The story of SAKURAN is not dissimilar to MEMOIRS in that it tells of a young girl, Kiyoha, growing up in a geisha house and looking for her freedom through ambition and love. As played by model and J-pop star Anna Tsuchiya, Kiyoha is a much ballsier character who happily smokes opium and fights her way to the top while still managing to retain her alluring femininity.
The fabulous costumes are brought to vibrant life with pop video sensibilities by director Mika Ninagawa, the renowned Japanese photographer, and by composer Ringo Shena’s J-pop influenced soundtrack.
This sexy, colourful girl-power movie really is a treat for the senses and should not be missed by those who appreciate quality filmmaking.
SAKURAN is showing at the ICA London from August 29.