MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA (2005)
Based on Arthur Golden’s novel of the same name, director Rob Marshall’s epic drama tells the story of an impoverished young girl who goes on to become the most famous geisha in Kyoto. The film sparked controversy over the casting of Chinese actors such as Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li in lead roles, but still went on to win three Academy Awards. As part of its ambitious marketing campaign, the film partnered with Banana Republic, which launched a line of kimonostyle tops and dresses, and French beauty brand Fresh, which released a series of geisha-themed products that used rice and sake as key ingredients.