Grade: A-

I’ve been waiting a long time for Memoirs of a Geisha to come out. I think a lot of people have! There’s been talk about it ever since the book got optioned, and several different directors have been attached at different points, including Steven Spielberg, who is credited as a producer. Rob Marshall, who so successfully directed “Chicago” eventually got the job, and he did it well. The look and feel of the movie is lush, rich, it’s a drama that sweeps you away in the story. The characters are well defined and each serves a specific purpose. The locations are amazing, the costumes are beautiful, the music is enchanting. I love that the women characters are strong. Even the lead character, the little slave girl who becomes the acclaimed geisha “Sayuri” takes control of her life and her destiny. In a way the movie is like a fairy tale because it’s set in a place and time that really doesn’t exist anymore. For older kids it will teach some history. There are some scenes of violence. I think this movie will get a few nominations come Oscar time – I’d guess Adapted Screenplay, Costumes, Musical Score, Make-up, Cinematography.