Raise the Red Lantern

Name: Raise the Red Lantern
Released: 1991-12-18T00:00:00-05:00

1991 Drama · 2h 5m

In 1920s China, 19-year-old Songlian becomes a concubine of a powerful lord and is forced to compete with his three wives for the privileges gained.

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About Raise the Red Lantern

In 1920s China, nineteen-year-old Songlian, a college student, is compelled to become the fourth wife of a wealthy lord. Within the imposing walls of his mansion, Songlian is thrust into a world of intricate rituals and fierce rivalries with the other wives. Each wife resides in a separate courtyard, and the lord decides nightly which courtyard to illuminate with red lanterns, signifying where he will spend the night. This ritual fuels intense competition, as the wives scheme and manipulate to gain his attention and favor, which are viewed as indicators of power and status. As Songlian navigates this treacherous landscape, she gradually uncovers the dark secrets and hidden cruelties that permeate their opulent prison, realizing that her dreams of freedom and happiness may be forever out of reach. The film shows the psychological battles that ensue, leading to tragic consequences and highlighting the oppressive nature of the feudal system.

Movie Trailer

Raise the Red Lantern Trailer

Cast and Characters

Directed by Zhang Yimou, Raise the Red Lantern features a stellar cast, led by Gong Li as Songlian, the central character whose journey forms the emotional core of the film. Ma Jingwu plays the enigmatic Lord Chen, the master of the house whose attention is fiercely sought. He Saifei portrays Meishan, one of the wives, a cunning and manipulative woman determined to maintain her position. Cao Cuifen appears as the eldest wife, Yuru, a seemingly docile figure who possesses hidden depths. Kong Lin plays Yan'er, Songlian's personal servant, whose loyalty is tested. Shuyuan Jin completes the cast, adding depth to the ensemble.

What people like about Raise the Red Lantern

Critics and audiences alike have lauded Raise the Red Lantern for its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and insightful exploration of social issues. Many have praised Gong Li's nuanced portrayal of Songlian, highlighting her ability to convey a range of emotions with subtlety and grace. The film's use of color and symbolism has also been widely admired, with the red lanterns themselves becoming iconic representations of power, desire, and confinement. Viewers also appreciate the movie's unflinching look at the lives of women in a patriarchal society, noting its relevance to contemporary discussions about gender equality.

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Movie Score

80%

Released

December 18, 1991

Director

Zhang Yimou

Cast

Gong Li, Ma Jingwu, He Saifei, Cao Cuifen, Kong Lin, Shuyuan Jin

Genre

Drama

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