Based on Tomiko Miyao's original story and set in 1930s Kochi, Japan, the film centers on Yokiro - the region's most distinguished and powerful geisha house - and the turbulent lives that are drawn to it.

Momowaka (Kimiko Ikegami), sold to Yokiro at age 12, has bested over 200 competitors to become top geisha. Despite a glamorous façade, Momowaka's life is largely empty and unsatisfying, with her beauty, talent, and wit wasted entertaining licentious patrons three-times her age.

Daikatsu (Ken Ogata), Momowaka's father, is a soft-hearted pimp, who keeps the Madame of Yokiro - Osode (Mitsuko Baisho) - stocked with fresh goods. Those at Yokiro struggle with their circumstances while fighting the jealousies (from local prostitutes) and dangerous challenges (from neighboring Yakuza) that come with great success.

Gosha (Three Outlaw Samurai -1964, Hitokiri- 1969, and The Wolves-1971) began his career as a reporter for Nippon Television and later became Chief Producer and Director at Fuji TV, experiences that clearly influence the made-for-TV look and feel of The Geisha. The 144-minute run time covers a lot of ground and completes a coherent arc (characters develop, reflect on their motivations, and face the consequences of their actions) but the delivery comes off a bit thin. Still, the film - which won nine Japanese Academy Awards in 1984 (including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress)- has a little something for most everyone: good performances, gorgeous kimonos, romance and loss, and of course...Pinku catfighting! If the thought of Alexis and Krystle ripping each other's clothes off in the Carrington lily pond is a turn-on, wait till you see this - RrrOw.