I JUST watched the film for the first time today, on DVD (yes, I suck. I'm too lazy to go see a movie, so I wait till the DVD comes out, then I wait till it hits the "you may rent this for three nights" period so I have plenty of time to watch all the special features, too).
I was totally, totally blown away by Hatsumomo. I don't know much about acting, but the only time I have ever watched a movie and thought "damn they're good!" was when I watched Gong Li this afternoon. There was something so believable in the way she portrayed her character... it all looks so effortless, even though you can tell a lot of thought went into every mannerism. Oh, and she looked GORGEOUS in the film. They all looked drop-dead-gorgeous (Sayuri, Hatsumomo and Michelle's character) but I thought Gong Li was the most stunning! Wow! Still so impressed.
I was also very impressed with Michelle Yeoh's character. Mainly in the way she carried herself. Really really suited the role.
One thing that bugs me is that I can't tell if the 'Baron'? (Mameha's patron) and the Chairman are the same guy, or two different guys. I keep hearing both names, then hearing the former committed suicide, blahblahblah... are they the same person or not :/
PS: I want to start learning some fan tricks now. They look cool!