Movies
'Geisha' director defends casting choices
Published Thursday, Dec 8 2005, 14:53 GMT | By Miriam Zendle
The director of Memoirs of a Geisha has come in for harsh criticism after deciding to use Chinese actresses in the roles of Japanese characters.
Rob Marshall explained that Ziyi Zhang and Gong Li were cast in the roles due to their "acting ability and star power," according to BBC News Online.
Marshall said that the two women had "come in and claimed the role", adding: "When you saw Zorba the Greek, and you saw Anthony Quinn play Zorba, was that odd to you because he was Irish and Mexican?"
In a statement, actress Gong Li explained why she had chosen her role, saying: "As actors, we seek roles that challenge and inspire us."
Chinese critics believe Marshall has been insensitive because of Japanese atrocities during the Chinese occupation in the 1930s.
However, the president of Japan's largest film distributor, Shochiku, said he was pleased by the feedback from the premiere audience. According to him, "Ziyi Zhang was impeccable. Many people thought she seemed more Japanese than a real Japanese woman."
The film is based on the novel by Arthur Golden, and has already been tipped as a possible Oscar contender.
Rob Marshall explained that Ziyi Zhang and Gong Li were cast in the roles due to their "acting ability and star power," according to BBC News Online.
Marshall said that the two women had "come in and claimed the role", adding: "When you saw Zorba the Greek, and you saw Anthony Quinn play Zorba, was that odd to you because he was Irish and Mexican?"
In a statement, actress Gong Li explained why she had chosen her role, saying: "As actors, we seek roles that challenge and inspire us."
Chinese critics believe Marshall has been insensitive because of Japanese atrocities during the Chinese occupation in the 1930s.
However, the president of Japan's largest film distributor, Shochiku, said he was pleased by the feedback from the premiere audience. According to him, "Ziyi Zhang was impeccable. Many people thought she seemed more Japanese than a real Japanese woman."
The film is based on the novel by Arthur Golden, and has already been tipped as a possible Oscar contender.
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