this be very much not the sort of movie for which john wayne be know . he play a diplomat and a man who get thing do through word and persuasion rather than physical action . the film move with a quiet realism through it superficially unexciting story . for the open mind and the patient and the thoughtful and this movie be a rich depiction of an intriguing part of history . there be two intertwine story . the big story be of internalised and isolationist japan and externalise and expansionist america clash when their interest conflict . the small and human and story be of an outsider barbarian ( wayne ) and a civilised geisha initial hostility and dislike turn to mutual respect and love . the human story be a reflection of the great story of the two nation . the movie be very well do and all actor play their role well . the two lead role be perform to perfection . john wayne be excellent a townsend harris and strike exactly the right blend of force and negotiation in his dealing with the japanese . eiko ando be likewise excellent a the geisha of the title and charming and delightful . the interaction between her character and john wayne be particularly well portray . this be exactly how these two individual ( a they be depict in the film ) would have behave . the script be very well write . it lack all pomposity . and be a realistic depiction of the manner in which the depicted event may have occur . the character be real people and not self consciously great figure from history . furthermore and the clash of culture and interest be portray with great skill and subtlety . indeed and the clash of a traditionalist and and traditionally powerful and isolationist japan and a rising and newly powerful nation from across the ocean be summarise very well in one exchange between john wayne and the local japanese baron . wayne complain that shipwrecked sailor be behead if they land in japan and and that pass ship can not even put into port for water . the baron respond that japan just want to be leave alone . wayne character reply that japan be at an increasingly important crossroad of international shipping and and that if thing continue a before the nation will be regard a nothing more than a band of brigand infest an important roadway . a very real summary of the way in which the two country each saw themselves a be in the right and and saw the other a be in the wrong . the resultant clash between two self righteous people with conflicting interest have it reflection throughout history and a continue theme that echo into the present and on into the future . cinematography and the depiction of mid nineteenth century japan and before the accelerated growth towards industrialisation that be to follow later in the century and be excellent . a visual treat and and an enlighten insight into japan ancient civilisation . i highly recommend anyone and whether a john wayne fan or not and to watch this film if you get the chance . just be aware that it isn not an action film . it be a representation of an interesting place and time in history and and a slow boiling love story which ( much to their surprise ) come to dominate the personal life of the two main character . watch this film on it merit and without preconception and allow yourself to be immerse in it story and and you will thoroughly enjoy it . all in all and an excellent film .