Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) quotes
Director
Rob Marshall.
Cast
Ziyi Zhang.
Ken Watanabe.
Michelle Yeoh.
Nitta Sayuri reveals how she transcended her fishing-village roots and became one of Japan’s most celebrated geisha.
The heart dies a slow death. Shedding each hope like leaves, until one day there are none. No hopes. Nothing remains.
– Sayuri Narration
She paints her face to hide her face. Her eyes are deep water. It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret.
– Sayuri Nitta
We must not expect happiness, Sayuri. It is not something we deserve. When life goes well, it is a sudden gift; it cannot last forever…
– Chairman
I’m wonder why Mrs. Nitta has not adopted Hatsumomo?
– Mameha
That would be like releasing the tiger from its cage.
– Sayuri Nitta
Sayuri, I’m only having a look. Any man would do the same.
– The Baron
At the temple, there is a poem called “Loss” carved into the stone. It has three words, but the poet has scratched them out. You cannot read Loss, only feel it.
– Sayuri Narration
Water is powerful. It can wash away earth, put out fire, and even destroy iron.
– Mameha
No man would bid so much for a thing he had already taken.
– Mameha
We do not become Geisha to pursue our own destinies. We become Geisha because we have no other choice.
– Mameha
Kindness we receive in our lives is not always enough.
– Chairman
I was a maiko once.
– Hatsumomo
Oh, of course. But that was a long, long, long, *long* time ago.
– Sayuri Nitta
Your cave is untouched. Men like that. We call this “mizuage”. And to become a full geisha, you must sell it to the highest bidder.
– Mameha
A story like mine should never be told. For my world is as forbidden as it is fragile. Without its mysteries it cannot survive. I certainly wasn’t born to the life of a geisha. Like so much in my strange life, I was carried there by the current.
– Sayuri Narration
Please, Sayuri, do not be afraid to look at me.
– Chairman
Can’t you see that I want you for myself? You have ruined me! Before we met I was a disciplined man.
– Nobu
Geisha needs an elegant wardrobe, just like an artists needs ink. If she is not properly dressed, than she is not a true geisha.
– Auntie
I am not worthless!
– Sayuri Nitta