RAISE THE RED LANTERN (DA HONG DENGLONG GAOGAO GUA), 1991

Hong Kong | DCP, Color, 125’ | Mandarin
Director: Yimou Zhang
Cast: Gong Li, Jingwu Ma, Saifei He

In 1920s Northern China, Songlian, the young daughter of a poor family, marries the rich and elderly head of the Chen clan. As the fourth wife in the household, Songlian is welcomed with red lanterns, which, in accordance with Chinese tradition, make her presence felt at all times. Chen has red lanterns lit at the door of whichever wife he wants to spend the night with. Gong Li gives a mesmerizing performance as the young concubine, and the use of red in the film symbolizes power and desire, highlighting the oppressive and tragic dynamics of a patriarchal household. Escape from these traditions can only be found in death or madness.