Review of Raise the Red Lantern (1991) by James M — 15 May 2007
Wow. Zhang Yimou has created one of the most artistically beautiful and somewhat disturbing film about 1920s China and the role that women play. In this tragic tale of coniving and back-stabbing, four women compete for the attention of their shared husband and master.
Young Songlian, once a student, becomes the fourth mistress and quickly realizes that challenges that come with such a role. Yimou is truly a master, and I am very anxious to see more of his work. Gong Li astounding me the most out of the whole cast in such a powerful, yet quiet performance as the beautiful, yet troubled Songlian.
She truly is a talented actress. This early work of Yimou's helps me to better appreciate both Hero and House of Flying Daggers. The cinematography was particularily outstanding with very few closeups and essentially none on the mysterious and domineering master of the house.
The use of very little, quiet music helped to set a serious and emotional mood. Everything about this movie was as Roger Ebert said, "breathtakingly beautiful.".
This review of Raise the Red Lantern (1991) was written by James M on 15 May 2007.
Raise the Red Lantern has generally received very positive reviews.
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