Rise of the red lantern
Impression of “Raise The Red Lantern” The film “Raise The Red Lantern”, directed by Zhang Yimou, is set in 1920s China during the Warlord Era. It takes me enter into the sealed world of an emblematical wealthy man’s house in China. Nineteen years old Songlian, whose father has recently died and left the family bankrupt, is betrayed by her stepmother and is sold as a concubine of the Chen family, becoming the Forth Mistress of the household. Arriving at the palatial abode, she is at first treated like royalty, receiving the sensuous foot massages and lightening of the red lanterns, as well as the visit from her husband, Master Chen. However, Songlian soon discovers that not all the concubines in the household receive the same luxurious treatment. In fact, the master decides on a daily basis the concubine he will spend the night with; therefore, the person whoever he chooses, will receive the foot massage, get her lanterns lit, and gets her choice of menu items at mealtime. As a consequence, the three concubines are pitted in constant competition against each other and are continually vying for their husband’s attention and affections. In this movie, Zhang Yimou focuses on the system of concubinage and portrays life in a stifling and constrictive Chinese courtyard house. The master of the house is nowhere to be seen, expect in hints and shadows. He is an offstage presence, as his four wives and the household staff scheme among themselves for his favor. The Second Mistress, Zhuoyun, befriend with Songlian, commending her beauty and warning her about the Third Mistress, Meishan, a former opera singer who is spoiled and becomes unable to cope, however, is in league with Songlian’s personal maid and tries to set Songlian up. In order to win the favor from her husband, Zhuoyun is truly being the person who has the face of Buddha, yet possessing the heart of a scorpion. On the other hand, the lowly servant, Yan’er is suggested that is in love with the