Raise the Red Lantern

Set in the 1920s against the grand backdrop of China's ancient imperial system, Zhang Yimou's Raise the Red Lantern is a captivating and haunting drama that unravels the intricate dynamics of a lord's household where his multiple wives live in constant competition with one another. Against a rich tapestry of ornate silks, intricate ceremonies, and whispered gossip, the lives of the four women revolve around one primary objective: to garner favor with their powerful lord and his favor for a single night with him beneath the iconic red lantern. The story commences with the arrival of 19-year-old Songlian, a new bride chosen from a family of moderate standing and brought to the household to serve as the fourth - and presumably, the youngest - of the lord's wives. Played with poise and vulnerability by Gong Li, Songlian is initially awestruck by the grandeur of her new surroundings, yet also aware that she has become a possession to be claimed and possessed by the lord. Upon entering the household, Songlian is immersed in a complex web of etiquette and tradition, where the slightest deviation in behavior or word choice can spark jealousy and animosity among the other wives. The three existing wives have established a rigid hierarchy, with the eldest and most favored, Yuan (Maggie Cheung), holding significant sway over the household. Yuan and the other wives, Yu Li (Judi Zhang) and Xiu Xiu (He Lian), are seasoned concubines who have navigated the treacherous waters of their husband's affections and the ever-present threat of being cast aside or worse. The arrival of Songlian sets off a chain reaction of intrigue and backstabbing as the other wives become fixated on outdoing one another for the lord's attention. The women's lives are a constant balancing act between pleasing the lord, avoiding his wrath, and maintaining a veneer of civility and loyalty to one another. Beneath the tranquil surface of their tranquil surroundings, tensions simmer, and the true nature of their relationships is laid bare through whispered gossip, stolen glances, and veiled resentment. Songlian quickly becomes the focal point of the other wives' attention, and as she attempts to find her place within the household, she begins to realize that the seemingly insurmountable barriers between the other wives may not be as impossible to circumvent as she initially thought. She learns to master the art of subtle manipulation and deception, exploiting the weaknesses of her fellow wives to increase her chances of winning the lord's favor. Throughout the film, Zhang Yimou employs a mesmerizing visual language that evokes the opulence and majesty of ancient China. The grandeur of the household is mirrored in the intricate sets, rich fabrics, and lavish decorations, while the camera's use of shadows and light creates an atmosphere of subtle menace and unspoken tension. The film's portrayal of the women's lives under the oppressive regime of the lord is both captivating and disturbing, drawing attention to the cruel realities of a system in which women are regarded as mere commodities and pawns to be used and discarded at the whim of their masters. Raise the Red Lantern stands as a scathing critique of the patriarchal societies that perpetuated such injustices, where individuality and autonomy were an absolute luxury that women could rarely afford. In the end, Songlian's survival and her quest for a shred of autonomy are nothing short of a heroic act of defiance in the face of an insurmountable system of oppression. Her struggles may ultimately end in tragedy, but it is her resilience and determination that render the film both unforgettable and profoundly affecting. The movie becomes a testament to the enduring strength of women in the face of unimaginable adversity and serves as a poignant reminder of the dark secrets that can hide behind the opulent facade of a seemingly idyllic world.