Dark Feathers: Dance of the Geisha

Love this unique and original movie. One would have never imagined how the movie can combine ballroom dancing, Japanese Samurai culture, and murders into the same plot but when it happens - it's refreshing to see because you really don't know what to expect. The leading ladies - Kate (Crystal J. Huang) and Amelia (Dancing with the Stars pro Karina Smirnoff) are sensational in acting and beautiful in dancing. Love the cello music as well! Now - I'm still trying to figure out the meaning of ending - if anyone figures it out - please comment. I'll likely to watch a 2nd time to piece it together :)

This is a movie that proves that indie films work. I watched it on Amazon last night and truly enjoyed it. It is a unique story of oriental mystery power told in an engaging way. I found the characters compelling and the plots interesting. The Kate character was multidimensional and complex, unlike most of the oriental characters in Hollywood blockbusters. Love and lust, jealousy and curiosity -- it seems like a warning to never be lost in these emotions. My only complaint would be the fact that some of the fight scenes and sex scenes were not fully carried out. I suppose it was for the sake of keeping it PG 13. But all in all, a fun experience.

GIven the numerous glowing reviews, I went into this movie expecting it to be at least watchable. Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed. The plot was incoherent and felt like it barely made any sense. The lead actress, Kate, was particularly unconvincing-her facial expressions were static, and she delivered a performance so stiff that a robot might have done a better job!

I had really hoped to support Asian representation in Hollywood, but struggled to find anything positive to say about this film. It's hard to believe that people gave it ratings of 8, 9, or even 10-I can't help but wonder if those were from the cast's friends and family.

For me, this is easily one of the worst movies I've ever watched, regardless of genre or representation. Utterly disappointing.

The cinematography is great. There are lovely scenes in beautiful settings ranging from Northern California to traditional Japanese temples. There is an interesting mix of Asian and Western cultures. The traditional Japanese outfits and ceremonies open the window to another culture. This is contrasted with equally beautiful Western dance scenes. The dancers move with such grace and athleticism! They are truly skilled dancers. The lead actress Crystal Huang is beautiful and enigmatic as befits her role as a mysterious temptress .

The plot however is difficult to follow at times and the viewer is left with questions about the underlying relationships and histories between some of the characters.

Great use of lighting, camera movement, and excellent use of camera angle and lenses. The director masterfully employs these elements to create a visually stunning and immersive experience. Each scene is meticulously crafted, with lighting that enhances the mood and atmosphere, whether it's the soft, warm glow of an intimate moment or the harsh, stark brightness of a tense confrontation. Camera movement is fluid and purposeful, guiding the audience's eye and drawing them deeper into the narrative.

The dynamic use of camera angles and lenses not only adds visual interest but also serves to underscore the emotional and thematic undertones of the story. Wide-angle shots create a sense of grandeur and scope, while close-ups capture the nuanced performances of the actors, conveying their inner turmoil and subtle expressions with remarkable clarity. The thoughtful composition of each frame, combined with the skillful use of depth of field, allows for a rich, layered visual storytelling that complements the film's intricate plot and character development.