Geisha

Geisha<br>Gion bayashi - 2003-04-22<br>Director: Kenji Mizoguchi<br>Japan, 1953, black and white, 87 minutes<br>This film is one of the undeniable masterpieces of Japanese cinema. The term geisha has been translated as Japanese dancer and prostitute. It refers to women who play a blend of both roles for the affluent classes in Japan. In this film, the traditional understanding of the geisha concept in Japanese society is juxtaposed with the changing values of post-World War II society. The story revolves around the friendship of two women: one beautiful and young, and the other older and experienced. The young and inexperienced geisha, who embodies traditional Japanese beauty, is forced into prostitution to make a living. She learns the secrets of the trade from an older geisha, which creates a deep bond between the two. The camera's interaction with the characters of these two women is very delicate and at the same time very revealing. Through the depiction of this friendship between the young, beautiful woman and the older, seasoned one, the film subtly and unconsciously becomes a reporter of women's aspirations and exploitation, and this unconscious transformation elevates the film to the level of a masterpiece. If a total of ten films have been able to reflect the essence of Japanese society and culture well, Geisha is certainly one of them.