MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA question

[KcMsterpce]

Loved the book, and I'm really hesitant about seeing it made into a movie. It's far too amazing to be easily transferred to film.

What further worries me is that they are using major Chinese stars to bring an audience to this movie, and they're playing Japanese people! Don't see why they can't just use an all Japanese cast, but this isn't the big deal, really.
Having Chinese people play Japanese characters doesn't mean the movie won't be good, but my main concern is with Zhang Ziyi:
She speaks Chinese Mandarin, and last I heard she didn't know a lick of English, nor does she speak Japanese.
I'm sure the movie's going to be in English, maybe with some Japanese every once in a while... are they going to make her speak a hacked up English and Japanese for this movie?

This concerns me. Does anyone know how this movie is going to be handled language-wise?

[Tweek]

She speaks Chinese Mandarin, and last I heard she didn't know a lick of English, nor does she speak Japanese.

I thought i heard her speak some english, not well, but she spoke it.

Perhaps she can learn enough japanese to get her through shooting?
-shrug-

[arto_j]

I snooped around a bit, and it appears the film will be mostly in English, including Zhang Ziyi's role, of course. So I guess she's been learning English for the role. Apparantly they started casting the film in Japan, but found actors better suited for the roles elsewhere (as in, China).

What I'd really be concerned about is that Akiva Goldsman is one of the writers on it.

[bob]

I think Zhang Ziyi is a fabulous actress (and not bad to look at, either).

But Akiva Goldsman....oh, shit.

[KcMsterpce]

Yeah, I know about the Akiva Goldsman fiasco.

I, too, fear for the movie's fate.

Also, a friend told me today that he saw a Zhang Ziyi interview on the Hero DVD, and she's speaking English in the interview. So, apparently, over the last couple years she's been taking lessons! Good for her! But, damnit!!....

I am learning Mandarin right now, so when I have the chance to meet her I wanted to swoon her to loving me because of me being the" White Guy that speaks Mandarin"! I already learned the essentials:
"I love you. What's your phone number? Wanna go to dinner with me? Will you marry me?"

Oh well. I'll just sink my head in sorrow now (as I walk by a red dog house with a dog resting on top of it).

But back to the movie...
I'm thinking it's not gonna live up to the book, and I honestly don't mind much that Chinese actors are portraying Japanese characters. It's just a book that will be difficult to translate to film no matter what language it's in. *shrug*

[Mr. Fancy Pants]

I like Zhang Ziyi too but I find it hard to believe they couldn't find an actress to play that part from a country with 125 million people.

Too late now but I still want to hear what japanese citizens think.