Conversation so far:
What kind of responses came from the Chinese about the film Memoirs of a Geisha?
Memoirs of a Geisha received some hostile responses in Mainland China, including its banning by the People's Republic of China.
Are there any other interesting aspects about the film Memoirs of a Geisha's response from China besides being banned by the People's Republic of China?
Casting of Chinese actresses as geishas could rouse anti-Japan sentiment and stir up feelings over Japanese wartime actions in China, especially the use of Chinese women as sex slaves.

Question: Why was it not well received?
Self-contained rewrite: Why was casting Chinese actresses as geishas in the film Memoirs of a Geisha not well received?