Rob Marshall’s Memoirs of a Geisha Girl (Buena Vista, €24.99) picked up three Oscars this year and with its sumptuous costumes and excellent cinematography it’s not hard to see why.

The Chinese government has cancelled the release of Memoirs of a Geisha – a decision made amid speculation officials are worried the sight of Chinese actresses playing Japanese geishas would stir a backlash.

The author of Memoirs of a Geisha is defending the film version amid criticism from some experts in the geisha world.

"Chicago" director Rob Marshall has emerged as the top contender to direct Columbia Pictures/Red Wagon Entertainment's "Memoirs of a Geisha".