Matsuchiyo - Life of a Geisha

'Matsuchiyo - Life of a Geisha' is a documentary about life of one of the last surviving geisha in Japan. The story begins with Matsuchiyo's wartime childhood in Manchuria and escaping from Soviet Union's Red Army with her mother, the only surviving member of the family. They drift across post-war Japan and finally settle down in a spa-resort town called Atami where Matsuchiyo joins Okiya, the geisha agency, to support her aging mother. During apprenticeship years, Matsuchiyo practises, works (and plays) hard to become a true geisha. In her adulthood, she becomes one of the top geisha in town which was thriving during 'Japan's post-war economic miracle' era. Living with strict geisha traditions, Matsuchiyo experiences romances, tearful farewells, being a mistress of married men, motherhood and tragic deaths. In her maturity, she acquires somewhat zen-like attitude and wisdom towards life. Today, in her 70s, Matsuchiyo the geisha is as motivated as ever. She still delivers a mesmerising performance on stage, actively joins a relief effort for the victims of 2011's earthquake and tsunami and truly enjoys every moment of her life. Narrated by her own son and adorned by hundreds of beautiful photos from Japan's bygone era, this film illustrates the ultimate Japanese cultural enigma that is - geisha.