Though a lot of artistic license is taken in this portrayal of a courtesan, I think it is a must watch for all those who like romantic movies or just like costume drama's. The acting style is heavy on the emotions, matching the drama/romance plot with some comedic elements.
The vibe is lighthearted combined with some heavier topics, but be prepared for some fairytale-like/over-the-top moments. In the wrong hands, those moments would have been corny, but in this movie it's still in the realm of sweet with a wink. If you want a 100% realistic feel, this movie is probably not for you.
One downside, is one can be bothered with the romanticised view of the sex worker profession. Most of the lovers are fairly handsome looking and the ccourtesan herself remains in control and smiling for the most of it. However, it could have been a conscious choice to de-emphasize the nasty parts, because the story mainly revolves around an "impossible love" scenario. Also the difficulties involved as a sex worker might just be too heavy to have been elaborated on in this more romcom/drama feeling film.
The movie did a fine job with the main protagonist's struggle between empowerment/freedom versus not having any say over her own fate. It stayed engaging throughout the almost two hour runtime, it looked beautiful and it had a certain charm that films past 2000 don't really have anymore.
The vibe is lighthearted combined with some heavier topics, but be prepared for some fairytale-like/over-the-top moments. In the wrong hands, those moments would have been corny, but in this movie it's still in the realm of sweet with a wink. If you want a 100% realistic feel, this movie is probably not for you.
One downside, is one can be bothered with the romanticised view of the sex worker profession. Most of the lovers are fairly handsome looking and the ccourtesan herself remains in control and smiling for the most of it. However, it could have been a conscious choice to de-emphasize the nasty parts, because the story mainly revolves around an "impossible love" scenario. Also the difficulties involved as a sex worker might just be too heavy to have been elaborated on in this more romcom/drama feeling film.
The movie did a fine job with the main protagonist's struggle between empowerment/freedom versus not having any say over her own fate. It stayed engaging throughout the almost two hour runtime, it looked beautiful and it had a certain charm that films past 2000 don't really have anymore.