Review of Raise the Red Lantern (1991) by Sylvia Q — 02 Nov 2009
Though the story has always been intriguing to me since I watched it as a kid (I was probably wondering why boys received more love than girls), I only learn to appreciate it now after a second viewing recently.
Not just the historical background but its art of cinematography as well. Zhang is undoubtedly a great master in using colors in works. The film presents many mellow pictures of a grandiose but prison-like Chinese mansion.
The ghostly atmosphere within is supposed to be relieved by the bright red lanterns (which symbolizes the man's favor) but you sense no happiness at all but a depressing heaviness. Many women were treated like commodities in the past.
They had no say over their destiny. They let men determine what their lives were all about. They remained nameless after they got married. Is such life worth living? If I were the fourth wife in the show, I would definitely run away from the evil master.
This review of Raise the Red Lantern (1991) was written by Sylvia Q on 02 Nov 2009.
Raise the Red Lantern has generally received very positive reviews.
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