Yes. Mameha's statement was correct about them having no choice, at least for most of them. They were literally the property of the mistress of the okiya. I am sure some had a choice, and some were the daughters of geisha, but many were sold to the okiya. Or, in Satsu's case, sold into outright prostitution.
shareI know lol, human rights violations not really covered as much as the artsyness. It looked depressing as hell
shareIt's funny how being a geisha is considered a huge honor. It's basically glorified prostition, and it's stressed these women aren't happy. Sayuri got lucky because she ended up with the man she loved, but in the book it's more realistic in that they point out that the Chairman is still married but keeps Sayuri as a lover. They mentioned he's married early in the film, but by the end it's pretty much forgotten. It does seem like a really sad life. The film was beautiful, though
shareRecently I watched The Dancer (http://m.imdb.com/title/tt1989598/), about a Ronggeng (Indonesian dancing girl) who follows a similar journey...
- learns traditional arts / initiation rites
- similar hairstyle
- virginity sold to highest bidder
- mustn't get pregnant
- bossy "Mother" character
- mustn't fall in love
- interrupted by war/conflict
I mentioned these similarities to a Japanophile, who seemed almost offended and flatly refused any similarity with geisha.