Memoirs of a Geisha

For my Summer Project, I decided to watch the film "Memoirs of a Geisha".  This is a beautiful story, originally written by Arthur Golden in 1997. The film adaptation was released a few years later, and follows the story of a young girl, Chiyo, who is taken from her poverty stricken home in a small fishing village, and sold to an 'okiyo' or Geisha house, to eventually become a Geisha.

Hatsumomo

When we are first introduced to the character "Hatsumomo" in the film, she is striking with an exquisite red kimono. In Japanese colour symbolism, the colour red symbolises life, anger and danger. All of these apply to Hatsumomo, as she is a very lively character with a lot of anger and resentment. As it is Chiyo who sees her in this scene, the red kimono and lipstick almost serves as a warning of the danger she presents in the future to Chiyo. The other prominent colour in this scene is yellow. I believe the yellow represents aristocracy and Hatsumomo's place in the hierarchy of the Okiyo. Her hair is slicked back, making her features much more prominent. She has no other colour on her face, besides red which keeps in tone of the symbolism of the outfit. Her hair is kept back with a white headband, similar to those worn by Japanese warriors and immediately makes her appear intimidating and fierce.

When the Chairman and Sayuri end up together. The scenery is bright and beautiful. The green represents eternal life, prosperity and youthfulness. It symbolises life and new beginnings. 

Sayuri becomes a geisha. Yellow, representing beauty and refinement.