Raise the Red Lantern (1991)

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Raise the Red Lantern (1991) 

“Raise the Red Lantern,” directed by Zhang Yimou, is a 1991 historical drama film set in 1920’s China, years before the Chinese civil war (1927-1950). The film follows Songlian, a 19 year old woman who just left her family after her father’s passing and and famiy's decline, becomes the fourth mistress of the aristocratic Chen family.

Early in the film, the master orders his servants to light the lanterns to signal the mistress he chooses. After he says, “Light the lanterns. They will be the symbol of longevity.” there is a hoarse and cold sound the lanterns give off as they are lit, building upon the atmosphere and the anticipation of dread. Traditionally, red lanterns represent joy and prosperity, but here they represent control and patriarchal power.

The rhythms of massages are part of the household ritual. Lit lanterns, meals and massages suggest erotic privilege and power dynamics.

The strongest sequence in this film is when Yan'er is punished. Songlian gets irritated and throws the lanterns outside on the ground in front of the servant. She says “lets stay with the tradition.” The scene cuts to the lanterns caught on fire and Yan’er watches in shock as they burn. The scene cuts a third time and the lanterns are reduced to ash. Yan'er becomes ill and eventually dies at the hospital she is sent to soon after.

A long close-up shot transitioning to a farther away shot of Yan’er

Image Source: http://thefilmexperience.net/blog/2012/5/1/hit-me-with-your-best-shot-raise-the-red-lantern.html

Yimou uses symmetrical framing and light camera movements to reveal something claustrophobic about Songlian's life here. The symmetrical compositions with the number of lanterns and dynamic lines seen in 1920’s architecture reveals monotony and oppression

The physical intimacy in this film is never shown on screen; instead, its implied through symbols and routine, reinforcing how desire is structured by hierarchy. By withholding explicit scenes, Yimou heightens emotional emptiness underlying within the system, exposing corruption beneath wealth and aristocracy.