Geisha, A Life

Geisha, a Life by Mineko Iwasaki


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     

This book was a solid 4 star read for me. Whereas Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha was meant to entertain, Mineko Isawaki's Geisha, a Life was meant to inform.


Mineko Isawaki is most notable for being one of, if not THE most famous Geisha in Japan's history.  This autobiography is told from her own view of the traditions and trails that she faced. 


Mineko does a brilliant job of taking the reader through the grueling daily schedule she had from a young age as well as giving a lot of historical background to her life and the life of a Geiko (female artist).  She dispels much of the rumors of geishas being little more than pleasure companions.  I love the detail she gives on traditions of a geiko as well as the intricacies associated with each year and season and the symbolism and immense cost of each important occasion and dress of a geisha's career. 


This book is drastically different from memoirs of a Geisha and makes you wonder how both of these stories are about the same thing. This is definitely not a re-read of Memoirs of a Geisha and stands on its own If you are interested in learning more about geisha, and as known in Kyoto as geiko, I highly recommend giving this book a read.



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The Wolverine Review

Last night I had the opportunity to make it out to see Wolverine.  As a fan of the X-Men movies from the very beginning, I can honestly say that they have done a superb job with both Wolverine installments.  Although it is helpful to have seen previous movies before watching The Wolverine, I would say that the number one movie that you must watch before this one is X-Men Last Stand.  There any many Jean Grey references and if you have not yet seen this movie, you may feel at a loss as to why this is such a big deal for Logan.  The time period of this movie is after the X-Men last stand, with Logan hiding out in Canada. 

In case you know nothing about the X-Men it is based upon the Marvel Comics.  Wolverine is played by Hugh Jackman and he is a mutant who can heal himself (which also greatly decreases the rate at which he ages), very keen senses and also has adamantium (an insanely strong medal) throughout his
body with 3 retractable claws in each hand to slash and fight with. 

In this movie, Logan (Wolverine) is having constant bad dreams, usually about Jean Grey, but also one about Japan and the bombing at Nagasaki and a samurai soldier that he rescued.  He ends up being summoned by this same samurai soldier on his death bed and ends up in the middle of a corrupt Japanese political game.  The man Yashida offers to provide Logan with a way to end his eternal life and finish out a normal life and die at the end.  This movie also features Viper as a villain. 

I rate movies based on movie theater worthy, DVD worthy, or Netflix worthy.  This movie was definitely movie theater worthy.  There were some great cinematography, and it does not bore with a great story line.  I recommend staying through the end of the credits as you will get some insight into what is in store next for the X-Men.  X-Men movies are notorious for leaving clues about future projects at the end of the credits, and this one does not fail to answer some speculative questions, as well as leave you thirsty for more X-Men.   I will definitely buy this movie when it comes out!

Here is the Trailer, I used the International one and I do not have any rights to this video , it is used for entertainment purposes only. 

*I do not recommend looking into the wikipedia on this movie before you watch it.  It is filled with spoilers.