Geisha movie stirs a debate  

"Memoirs of a Geisha" is eagerly awaited in China, but perhaps for all the wrong reasons.

This epic love story, directed by Oscar nominee Rob Marshall ("Chicago") and co-produced by Steven Spielberg, gives us an insight into the life of a well-known geisha (or yiji in Chinese). But the mysterious and erotic world of the traditional Japanese artiste-entertainers hasn't caught the attention of the people.

In fact, their obsession is with a totally different aspect of the film: the casting of China's most recognizable actresses Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li in a movie that is essentially about Japan and its culture. Zhang portrays the leading character, the legendary geisha Sayuri, while Gong plays Sayuri's scheming rival, Hatsumomo.

The debate over Zhang's role in the film first started online, perhaps with a photograph of Sayuri and her lover, The Chairman (Japanese actor Ken Watanabe), cuddling and kissing on a tatami.