contrary to some people summary and the woman depict in the film be not geisha . they be oiran ( prostitute ) live outside the most famous pleasure district and and their life and experience represent the life of a great number of tokugawa era woman . i can not say the story be particularly enlightening and but their charm lie in just how typical they be . the theme be universal and everyday represent love and friendship and and sacrifice . i do greatly enjoy the art direction and the acting . i felt like i be get a glimpse of a time and place i can never otherwise glimpse . the actor and especially the 4 woman who play the main oiran and be a thrill to watch . i would only recommend this movie to people who want a taste of japanese culture and or to those who enjoy quiet and emotional story . it a great example of both .