Raise the Red Lantern is a beautiful film to behold. Complementing it's flawless execution, is some of the most beautiful imagery I've seen. Through dialogue and interaction, we slowly begin to see the characters develop... so thoroughly that when certain twists are revealed, we are genuinely shocked. Yimou's expert direction is on display here, and he crafts a story that commands every minute of the viewer's attention.
Gong Li is Songlian, a young, educated woman, forced by her mother to marry rich landowner Chen Zuoqian. What complicates things is the fact that, as customary, he is already married to three other women. These four women reside in separate houses within the massive compound, and Chen has to choose which wife he wants to spend the night with each night. This privilege brings prestige and power to the lucky wife, and so the women spend a great deal of time vying for their husband's attention.
As the wives' characters are developed, we begin to connect with each one and form opinions on their personalities. But as is the case with anyone, their behaviour becomes capricious as they connive and plot against one another. Even Songlian's personal maid Yan'er (Kong Lin) tries to assert herself above what her position requires. This complicated web only becomes more unpredictable, tangled, deceitful and ultimately tragic as time goes on.
Gong Li captures our attention from the start, and holds it right up to the film's final, tragic scene. In supporting roles, Shuyuan Jin, Cao Cuifen and He Caifei are marvelous as Chen's first three wives. But, along with Li, the most memorable performance in the film is delivered by Kong Lin as Yan'er. She employs very simple nuances to emote her character's inner feelings, which are mostly forbidden to be expressed.
The film's title describes the process under which the husband identifies which wife he has chosen to spend the night with. As the selection is made, red lanterns are lit and raised outside the house of the fortunate wife. As long as Chen is happy with the wife, he stays at her house for days and sometimes weeks, but just as quickly leaves when conflicts arise.
Raise the Red Lantern evokes a lot of emotions throughout it's 2-hr running length. We feel disgust at some of the characters' actions, only to feel empathy moments later as we begin to understand their situation. The conclusion is tragic, and makes what has transpired all the more effective. It leaves an impression that won't be easily defied.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Gong Li is Songlian, a young, educated woman, forced by her mother to marry rich landowner Chen Zuoqian. What complicates things is the fact that, as customary, he is already married to three other women. These four women reside in separate houses within the massive compound, and Chen has to choose which wife he wants to spend the night with each night. This privilege brings prestige and power to the lucky wife, and so the women spend a great deal of time vying for their husband's attention.
As the wives' characters are developed, we begin to connect with each one and form opinions on their personalities. But as is the case with anyone, their behaviour becomes capricious as they connive and plot against one another. Even Songlian's personal maid Yan'er (Kong Lin) tries to assert herself above what her position requires. This complicated web only becomes more unpredictable, tangled, deceitful and ultimately tragic as time goes on.
Gong Li captures our attention from the start, and holds it right up to the film's final, tragic scene. In supporting roles, Shuyuan Jin, Cao Cuifen and He Caifei are marvelous as Chen's first three wives. But, along with Li, the most memorable performance in the film is delivered by Kong Lin as Yan'er. She employs very simple nuances to emote her character's inner feelings, which are mostly forbidden to be expressed.
The film's title describes the process under which the husband identifies which wife he has chosen to spend the night with. As the selection is made, red lanterns are lit and raised outside the house of the fortunate wife. As long as Chen is happy with the wife, he stays at her house for days and sometimes weeks, but just as quickly leaves when conflicts arise.
Raise the Red Lantern evokes a lot of emotions throughout it's 2-hr running length. We feel disgust at some of the characters' actions, only to feel empathy moments later as we begin to understand their situation. The conclusion is tragic, and makes what has transpired all the more effective. It leaves an impression that won't be easily defied.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Amazing film.
ReplyDeleteAmazing film.
ReplyDeleteI am in love with Gong.
ReplyDelete