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List Price: $19.98 | | Label: MGM (Video & DVD)
Salesrank: 8290
Released: July 24, 2007 |
| Our Price: $9.58 |
| Used Price: $9.61 |
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MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Zhang Yimou (Ju Dou) directed this fascinating visually formal 1991 film about an educated woman (Gong Li) who is sent off to become the newest wife of a feudal nobleman in 1920s China. Nearly isolated in his spooky palatial home she develops relationships with several of the other wives and slowly becomes aware of a hideous legacy of punishment toward more willful women. The film has a brittle and dry quality that is deliberate but also suggestive of Zhang working through various explorations of his own style (which he resolved in his next film The Story of Qiu Ju). Gong Li one of the world's great actresses is superbSystem Requirements:Running Time: 125 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: FOREIGN/LATIN Rating: PG UPC: 027616082626 Manufacturer No: M108262
Description of Raise the Red Lantern (MGM World Films):
Zhang Yimou (Ju Dou) directed this fascinating, visually formal 1991 film about an educated woman (Gong Li) who is sent off to become the newest wife of a feudal nobleman in 1920s China. Nearly isolated in his spooky, palatial home, she develops relationships with several of the other wives and slowly becomes aware of a hideous legacy of punishment toward more willful women. The film has a brittle and dry quality that is deliberate, but also suggestive of Zhang working through various explorations of his own style (which he resolved in his next film, The Story of Qiu Ju). Gong Li, one of the world's great actresses, is superb. --Tom Keogh
Raise the Red Lantern (MGM World Films) Reviews:
What color is your lantern? 
2009-10-07 - "Raise the Red Lantern" took me three nights to watch, not because it was a dull story, but because my ocular senses had to recover from the glory of each of the scenes. What may have been lacking in story depth, made up for in visuals as this story of a concubine in China desperately adjusts to a life she was not eager to step into. Handed limited options, Songlian (the fourth mistress) is handed the keys to an elaborate castle, one full of red lanterns, foot massages, lavish food, and a maid to wait on her hand and foot. Alas, not all is as perfect as it may seem, with three other mistresses under one roof (coupled with a scored maid) - the events get dramatic, mistresses pine for time with the "Master", and the hardships of living in this culture become clear as "Raise the Red Lantern" couples history, fiction, and amazing visuals to weave an important story to the screen. Admittedly, I was skeptical at first - a two hour film that deals with an archaic tradition that may focus more on the dramatics than an actual compelling story, but I was wrong. "Raise the Red Lantern" proves itself Oscar-worthy (alas, overshadowed by the "Mediterraneo" win) and coincidentally extremely passionate and watchable nearly 17 since it's release.
Boasting big sets, amazing decor, and a taboo subject, "Raise the Red Lantern" pulls the viewer in with its stark realism, the elaborate nature of women in China in the 1920, and a score that is both haunting and refreshing. The smallest of scenes will pull you further into the film than imagined, and the subtle-ness of evil in contrast to women vying for the attention of one man is done in such a way that the emotions of sympathy, anger, frustration, and jealousy will boil up within. This is a movie that doesn't speak often, but says quite a bit through imagery and small actions. There is one scene in particular that was filmed gorgeously by director Yimou Zhang, which involves the discovery and subsequent downfall of Songlian's way of life. The long shot followed by her transformation was invigorating to say the least. Coupled with the stark beauty of winter, there is no question as to why this film has been lauded by critics and viewers alike. There is something unique about the way Zhang creates a sense of claustrophobia by keeping us in two-three rooms, yet each scene is fresh and new - that sense of stale surroundings is never present. This is a beautiful film, yes, but the acting is like more icing on the cake. Li Gong does a impressive job as Songlian, as we see her from the early excitement/nervousness about this change in her life, to seeing what tricks need to be pulled, to that question of sanity. This makes you revert back to the beginning of the film to wonder if something else had been missed. Your perception of Songlian will revert backwards as you attempt to see who she really is. Has she found a life, or merely unable to cope with the realities of the surroundings? Given the power of Songlian, it is tough to see anyone else stealing her glory, but Yan'er nearly does. Watch this subtle performance - as the maid scorned by another lover - she nearly steals every scene. Between these two, it is a delicate balance.
With the beauty of the scenes and the acting, it is nearly a perfect film, but what pulls me back from applauding every minute of this film is the overall story behind "Raise the Red Lantern". There were just these moments where Zhang used the scenery to fill time, where the story itself was merely an hour and twenty minutes of physical story, but the eloquence of the background allowed for more. Don't get me wrong, the story is important - but perhaps not two-hours worthy.
FILM: The film itself is breathtaking. Watch this with someone or alone on a snowy night. It challenges the mind and opens your heart to a part of history that needs to be discussed. I was reminded of our modern issues with polygamy, and how this Chinese tradition echos that ideal.
VISUAL: MGM's release of this film (up converting on my Blu player) is immaculate. If this ever finds a true Blu release, it will easily be added to the collection. The reds are solid, the whites of the snow are delicate, and the long shots of the Master's villa nearly transforms you from the couch to the screen. It is easy to get lost in "Raise the Red Lantern" purely by the cinematography. The 2.35 widescreen is amazing, no matter which size screen you are working with.
SOUND: Brilliant as well. The bold oriental sounds permeate through the visuals, giving two of our senses a crisp dose of intensity. The Chinese/Mandarin language with the English subtitles work to create the language, without leaving big gaps or being too overbearing. It nearly felt like a 5.1 surround, but it isn't specified. If it were 2.0, it was impressive.
EXTRAS: Lacking. The only downturn to this film. There is nothing that builds the character of the film - i.e. how it was made, director or cast feelings, etc., etc. - I think the only thing we have it a preview. Rather sad considering the immaculate nature of this film.
Overall, I was very pleased with this film. "Raise the Red Lantern" is one of those films that you shouldn't judge by the cover. It seems like another drab historical film, but in the end it is nothing but rewards to both the senses and the mind. Despite the lacking features, I am excited about adding this film to the collection, and look forward to the other films Yimou Zhang has released.
Grade: **** out of *****
Great cinema 
2009-09-12 - Zhang Yimou is one of a handful of the greatest directors in the world. His early films tackled subjects that enraged the Chinese establishment for their unstinting views of sex, Chinese politics, and other taboos, resulting at one time in his being barred from filmmaking for four years. Eventually, he turned to making martial arts thrillers of extraordinary technical virtuosity, presumably to palliate the Chinese government. One of his earliest films, Raise the Red Lantern, is in my opinion his best. The film involves the politics of half a dozen women married to a rich lord and the vicious intrigues they engage in. Yemou's direction is so powerful that this seemingly innocuous subject takes on unexpected dimensions. Gong Li, who was having a scandalous affair with the director, stars as the young newcomer battling the established wives for the lord's favors. The film even takes an unexpected gothic turn that heightens its intensity. Few films have so offended the Chinese government, who suspected it of being a thinly veiled allegory of its harsh indifference to its citizens. Though banned in China, Raise the Red Lantern won international acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for best foreign film.
make your own dvd
2009-08-18 - After reading all the bad reviews of the DVD version of Raise the Red Lantern, I'm glad that I made my own DVD from my original VHS tape. Fortunately I made the transfer before the colors in the tape had faded (as they do in time), and that along with the original subtitles, which are excellent, make my DVD version almost as good as the original tape. Isn't it good that today we have the technology to "do it yourself." Incidentally, I agree with those who feel this is one of the most powerful and haunting movies ever made; I rank it in my top ten.
....gimme a break 
2009-03-16 - Unfortunately for me I had seen this flick. Chinese movies never connected to real life as freedom of speech is directive from Communist party and to understand it you have to move to China and experience reality and this is why the movie set up in 1920 as it safe. Movie is also boring as it possibly could be. Brrrrr...
4 stars out of 4
2009-02-08 - The Bottom Line:
(N.B. This review applies solely to the film, for I agree that the DVD quality is terrible)
Raise the Red Lantern is a powerful and brutal tale of intrigue within a mansion, as the 4 mistresses of the master vie for his affection and the power it bestows upon them; a strikingly beautiful and powerful film, Raise the Red Lantern is well-made and interesting enough to be worth recommending to any and all demographics.
