Memoirs of Geisha was up for six nominations at the 78th annual Academy Awards on March 5. The film walked away with three Oscars — art direction, cinematography and best costume.

The film is based on a novel of the same name by Arthur Golden. In 1929 an impoverished nine-year-old named Chiyo from a fishing village is sold to a geisha house in Kyoto’s Gion district and subjected to cruel treatment from the owners and the head geisha Hatsumomo. Her stunning beauty attracts the vindictive jealousy of Hatsumomo, until she is rescued by and taken under the wing of Hatsumomo’s bitter rival, Mameha. Under Mameha’s mentorship, Chiyo becomes the geisha named Sayuri, trained in all the artistic and social skills a geisha must master in order to survive in her society.

As a renowned geisha she enters a society of wealth, privilege, and political intrigue. As World War II looms Japan and the geisha’s world are forever changed by the onslaught of history.

Directed by Rob Marshall, the film stars Ziyi Zhang (Chiyo/Sayuri), Togo (Igawa Tanaka), Li Gong (Hatsumomo) and Michelle Yeoh (Mameha).

This Oscar-winning film is coming to the theatres near you on March 17. Call 444 2220 for details.