Let's face it Marshall was not the man to choose if you want authenticity. Other American director's would've have given the film much more authenticity.
It's Marshall + Hollywood not America + Hollywood.
I even read somewhere that the producers wanted to tone down the white powder as they felt that their target audience would find it off-putting.
It's clear they have. The film never explained why Michelle Yeoh's character has no white powder at all.
Do Geisha's in real life also talk back so readily?
And this struck me as odd:
The film goes to great length to explain that the Geisha's aren't seen naked by their clients except on the night of losing their virginity so why on earth would they be naked at the end together? That bath house scene.
As for your second question. For example say an Indian guy and an Iraqi guy. I find it pretty easy to spot the difference but I've come across a lot of people who would be like "nah they're both the same surely."
You must know some really dumb people as they look completely different, different accent too.
I do get confused on occasion between Korean and Japanese people. Funnily enough not in films but when meeting them in real life. Thai and Vietnamese look almost identical too, except the Vietnamese also have links to China.
Rob Marshall said he did this ib interviews months ago. Don't you guys watch much telly
Any links? I'd be interested to read it from Marshall.