Raise the Red Lantern by Zhang Yimou
One-line summary: A young woman becomes trapped in a web of power struggles and manipulation when she becomes the fourth wife of a wealthy man in 1920s China.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Zhang Yimou
- Writer: Su Tong (novel), Ni Zhen (screenplay)
- Key Actors: Gong Li (Songlian), Ma Jingwu (Master Chen), He Saifei (Third Mistress), Cao Cuifen (Second Mistress), Jin Shuyuan (First Mistress)
- Music Director: Zhao Jiping
- Director of Photography: Zhao Fei
- Producers: Chiu Fu-sheng, Yang Fengliang
Plot:
In 1920s China, Songlian, a young woman from a poor family, is forced to marry a wealthy man as his fourth wife. She enters a luxurious but oppressive world where each wife resides in her own courtyard, and the master chooses which wife to spend the night with by raising a red lantern outside her courtyard. Songlian quickly realizes that the wives are engaged in a constant power struggle for the master’s attention and favor.
As Songlian navigates the complex dynamics of the household, she forms alliances and rivalries with the other wives. The first wife, Yuru, is respected but bitter, while the second wife, Zhuoyun, is manipulative and cunning. The third wife, Meishan, is kind-hearted but emotionally fragile. Songlian’s arrival disrupts the delicate balance, leading to jealousy, betrayal, and tragic consequences.
As the master’s favorite wife changes from night to night, Songlian becomes obsessed with gaining his attention. She resorts to desperate measures, including faking a pregnancy and attempting to poison the other wives. However, her actions only lead to further isolation and despair.
Themes and Motifs:
Raise the Red Lantern explores themes of power, control, and the oppression of women in traditional Chinese society. The red lanterns symbolize the wives’ status and their desire for the master’s attention. The film also delves into the destructive nature of jealousy and the consequences of manipulation and deceit.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release in 1991, Raise the Red Lantern received critical acclaim and garnered international recognition. It was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards and won numerous awards at prestigious film festivals, including the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
The film’s meticulous attention to detail, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances, particularly by Gong Li, solidified Zhang Yimou’s reputation as one of China’s most talented directors. Raise the Red Lantern remains a significant work in Chinese cinema, highlighting the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society and showcasing the visual beauty and emotional depth of Zhang Yimou’s storytelling.
Recommendation:
Raise the Red Lantern is a visually captivating and emotionally gripping film that offers a profound exploration of power dynamics and the human condition. It is a must-watch for fans of art-house cinema, historical dramas, and those interested in Chinese culture. However, be prepared for its dark and tragic themes, as it can be emotionally intense.
Memorable Quote:
“Master, I’m just a woman. I don’t understand your world of power and wealth.” – Songlian
