Looking for ideas for a Geisha-based Robot story.

Brytestar · Post by **Brytestar** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 9:23 am

I am wondering where I can find research material on the subject? I do have an idea but it does need some refining can anyone assist?

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 6:29 pm

Hmmm... I know there's an episode of Samurai Champloo involving a geisha wishing for freedom. maybe you can use that for a bit of reference?

Brytestar · Post by **Brytestar** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 7:57 pm

I guess I can give it a try.

gynoneko · Post by **gynoneko** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 6:56 am

I've seen a number of movies that involve geisha. You should see Memoirs of a Geisha for starters, plus there are dozens and dozens of classic Japanese films that could also work.
If you need more, I can post some names, I'll have to look them up first so let me know.

Brytestar · Post by **Brytestar** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 7:58 am

Can you do that? That way I know what I keep an eye out for.

gynoneko · Post by **gynoneko** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 8:59 am

Sure thing.
What I will list here will not only have Geisha, but will be important Japanese Cinema (and media) that reflects the actual Japanese culture of the time of the Geisha. There are some titles I am forgetting, and if I can remember them, I'll let you know. One in particular focused a lot on a specific geisha. It was a black and white film that follows the life of a young girl who became a geisha. I'll have to look it up. I took some Japanese cinema classes in college and may have notes somewhere on it.

First off, see Memoirs of a Geisha, it is an excellent movie, and does a lot to show the aspects of being a Geisha that western audiences probably never knew.

"Double Suicide" has a geisha/prostitute in it... interesting movie. It is actually based on the classic Japanese style puppet plays (Banraku), and the puppet masters are often in the scenes despite the puppets being live actors. it is actually based on a specific play called "Shinju Ten no Amijima (Double Suicide at Amijima.)"

Another interesting one is "When a Woman Ascends the Stairs", which is not actually about a Geisha, but IS about a woman who is widowed young, buys a bar, and has to make important life choices. As a hostess, she may have some qualities you are looking for.

Another non-geisha but Japanese culture movie that has made many a critics' top ten list is "Tokyo Story". I won't list it below, but if you are at all interested in Japanese culture/cinema, check this film out.

An acquaintance of mine, who is a world-renowned photographer, Jodi Cobb, knows a lot about Geisha because she spent a while photographing modern Geisha in Japan. If you want some real-world modern references, you should check out her book, Geisha: The Life, The Voices.
Here are some I know of:

Memoirs of a Geisha (DVD/Blu-ray)
Double Suicide
When a Woman Ascends the Stairs
Ugetsu

I also found this... Robo-Geisha.
Silly, non-historical, and ultra-cheesy, but it has cyber ladies dressed as Geishas.

Good luck, and I'll post more if I can remember/find it.

Brytestar · Post by **Brytestar** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 2:28 pm

gynoneko wrote:Sure thing.
I also found this... Robo-Geisha.
Silly, non-historical, and ultra-cheesy, but it has cyber ladies dressed as Geishas.

Good luck, and I'll post more if I can remember/find it.

I'm so after that DVD,

gynoneko · Post by **gynoneko** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 7:58 am

Brytestar wrote:
gynoneko wrote:Sure thing.
I also found this... Robo-Geisha.
Silly, non-historical, and ultra-cheesy, but it has cyber ladies dressed as Geishas.

Good luck, and I'll post more if I can remember/find it.
I'm so after that DVD,

Just glad I could help!