Michelle Yeoh Everything Everywhere All At Once 2023

The novel “Memoirs of a Geisha,” written by Arthur Golden, faced significant controversy, as he portrayed geishas primarily as sex workers. This portrayal was then replicated in the film version.

Historical evidence does suggest that some geishas did offer sexual services before Japan outlawed prostitution in 1956. The story “Memoirs of a Geisha” takes place in the late 1920s, when there were no laws regarding sex work. Rather, they had a system of licensed prostitution in designated areas. The government’s focus then was more on managing and regulating sex work rather than outright prohibition.

Throughout Japan’s history, the definition of geishas has remained the same. Geishas are a professional class of women whom men pay for conversation, dancing, and singing. This entertainment can take place at businessmen’s parties in restaurants or teahouses. The format is similar to a taxi dancer, where men pay women for the pleasure of dancing with them.

Both the film and the book reinforced the stereotype depicting geishas as submissive and subservient to their male patrons. In reality, the world of geishas has historically given women more freedom and economic independence than any other job.

In “Memoirs of a Geisha,” Michelle Yeoh plays Mameha, the senior geisha of the house. Her role is to train the younger women to be the best geisha in the world.

In the film, Yeoh’s character (Mameha) says in a voiceover.

“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.”

To read more about other Oscar-winning actresses playing characters working in the sex trade industry, please continue perusing Oscar Hookers