China in the 1920s. After her father’s death, 19 year old Songlian is forced to marry the much older lord of a powerful family. With three wives already, each living in a separate house within the great castle, there is fierce competition for his attention and the privileges that are gained. This competition gets out of hand.
Directed by Zhang Yimou, Raise the Red Lantern is a visually stunning film set in 1920s China, adapted from Su Tong’s novel Wives and Concubines. The film follows Songlian (played by Gong Li), a young woman from a respected family who, after being forced to abandon her studies, becomes the fourth concubine of a wealthy, powerful man. She enters the master’s compound, where she is subject to a rigid system of rituals, rivalries, and emotional manipulation among the other women. The story explores her descent into the oppressive dynamics of this environment, where favor is determined by the lighting of red lanterns outside a concubine’s quarters, signaling the master’s choice for the night.
Songlian initially attempts to assert some control by manipulating those around her, but soon finds herself enmeshed in the same destructive patterns that define her new life. The competition between the concubines is fierce, with each vying for the master’s favor, which brings not only luxury but also power. The film’s core themes revolve around oppression, power, and the fragility of the human spirit in the face of authoritarian structures. The stark contrast between the beauty of the setting and the emotional and physical toll it takes on the women highlights the suffocating nature of tradition and the personal costs of living under a patriarchal system.
Themes and Analysis
- Oppression and Subjugation: The central theme of Raise the Red Lantern is the oppression of women in a feudal, patriarchal society. Songlian’s entry into the compound signifies her entry into a world where women are reduced to tools for satisfying the master’s desires and securing his favor. Their entire existence revolves around rituals that maintain a hierarchical system of power based on manipulation, jealousy, and the denial of personal freedom.
- The Illusion of Power: While the women in the compound may seem to hold some power due to their ability to influence the master’s choice, it becomes clear that this power is fleeting and illusory. The film portrays how the system, though steeped in ritual and tradition, ultimately strips away the individuality of each woman, making them complicit in their own subjugation. The master, symbolizing the patriarchal authority, controls everything, and his favoritism can shift on a whim, destabilizing the precarious position of the concubines.
- Tradition and Rebellion: Songlian’s modern, educated background puts her at odds with the traditional lifestyle she is forced into, and her attempts to assert her individuality clash with the deep-rooted customs of the household. As her initial resistance gives way to manipulation and cunning, the film explores how tradition can both crush individualism and instigate rebellion, leading to devastating consequences for all involved.
- Desire and Madness: The desperate longing for the master’s favor leads to a series of tragic events, including the deaths of two women, one of whom is executed. Songlian’s psychological deterioration is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of both personal desire and the institutionalized structures that foster it. The film ends with Songlian retreating into madness, symbolizing the ultimate consequence of living in such a stifling, authoritarian environment.
10 Reasons to Watch Raise the Red Lantern
- Masterful Cinematography: Zhang Yimou’s use of color, particularly red, is striking and symbolic, adding depth to the story. The film’s meticulous framing, use of symmetry, and vivid set design create a haunting visual landscape that enhances its emotional impact
- Strong Feminist Themes: Raise the Red Lantern offers a powerful exploration of the lives of women in a rigidly structured, patriarchal society, providing a voice to the voiceless in an oppressive system
- Gong Li’s Performance: Gong Li delivers a mesmerizing performance as Songlian, portraying a complex character torn between rebellion and submission. Her emotional depth makes the film’s exploration of suffering and manipulation all the more poignant
- Cultural Insight: The film provides a window into Chinese culture, especially concerning the roles of women and the strict social structures of early 20th-century China. It sheds light on the contrast between the nation’s ancient traditions and the emerging changes of the modern era
- Emotional Intensity: The film’s emotional power is overwhelming, as it delves deeply into the psychological toll of living within a controlling system. Viewers will find themselves emotionally invested in the fates of the characters
- Political Allegory: At a deeper level, the film can be interpreted as a critique of authoritarianism and the oppressive nature of traditional systems of control. The master’s house symbolizes a totalitarian state where the individual is subsumed by the needs of the collective
- Atmospheric Setting: The film’s setting is one of its most striking elements. The architecture and the lanterns are symbolic of the oppressive atmosphere that the characters inhabit. The setting mirrors the confinement and power struggles of the concubines
- Rich Symbolism: From the red lanterns to the architectural elements, every visual detail in the film carries symbolic weight, offering a deeper understanding of the characters’ emotional and psychological states
- Compelling Storytelling: Despite its slow pace, the film builds a strong narrative of tension and intrigue, as Songlian navigates the complex relationships between the concubines, her rivalries with the other women, and her desire for the master’s attention
- Cinematic Masterpiece: Raise the Red Lantern is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of the 1990s and a defining example of Chinese cinema. Its critical acclaim is a testament to its artistic and cultural significance
How You Will Feel After Watching Raise the Red Lantern
Watching Raise the Red Lantern is an emotionally exhausting experience. The film’s slow, deliberate pacing invites deep reflection on the harsh realities of life for the women in the compound. The beauty of the film contrasts sharply with the emotional devastation it portrays, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of unease. The tragic fate of the protagonist, Songlian, as well as the brutal outcomes of the other characters, may leave you feeling sorrowful and disturbed. The film forces the viewer to confront the cost of tradition, power, and the suppression of individuality, making it a deeply thought-provoking cinematic experience