10 Best Hollywood Films Set In Japan

4. Memoirs Of A Geisha (2005)

Geishas are an often misunderstood concept, one that stems from the wacky and typically outlandish culture of Japan. To be a Geisha, is to be an entertainer of men. How you ask? Well, Geishas are highly trained in a number of tasks, that can include dancing, and or performing for a customer, serving them tea, or simply entertaining them through conversation. A misconception is that a Geisha is essentially a prostitute, which is not the case. It's a job of female empowerment, and elegance, one that's an alien concept to the western world. Chiyo Sakomoto (Zhang Ziyi) is a child sold into a life of solitude. After treated kindly by a chairman (Ken Watanabe) Chiyo decides to become a Geisha in order to please him when she's older. She's tragically split from her sister, and taken in by experienced Geisha teacher Mameha (Michelle Yeoh). She learns the way of the Geisha, and struggles to endure many hardships on her spiritual journey.

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) is a highly celebrated film. With 6 Academy Award nominations, and 3 notable wins for Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design, and Best Cinematography. It's one of the most visually authentic films for a period drama, in scenery, set and costume. The story it's self is nontraditional, based on the highly selling novel of the same name. While a dazzling and heartbreaking piece of world cinema, admittedly it's not everyone's cup of tea.