Raise the Red Lantern

Raise the Red Lantern is a film directed by Zhang Yimou that focuses on a young woman who is forced to serve as a concubine for a master who already has three wives. The fourth wife, known as Songlian, is younger and prettier than the other wives. This creates a jealous atmosphere throughout the already competitive household. Songlian, the individual, is opposed by the society making up the Chen household, including both wives and servants. As a result of being involved in this family, Songlian’s individual freedom is imposed upon through her new title and regulations by which she must live her life. The levels of her new dwelling add to the already tense atmosphere. Throughout her time spend at the estate, her original nature is changed and eventually leads to Songlian’s downfall in the final scene. Gandhi, a man of equality and peace, would not approve her life as a concubine or many aspects of the Chen estate. One aspect that would be highly disproved of is the “house of death,” which serves as a place of mystery and evil throughout the film.

Many forces oppose Songlian’s individual freedom. One of these opposing forces is the fact that she is referred to as “the fourth wife.” Being known

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Songlian’s original nature is very independent. She was not a strong enough woman to let the good shine through. This resulted in Gandhi exhibiting abusive, disrespectful behavior towards his wife. The wives are treated like objects and are owned by the master.

Another imposing force on Songlian’s individual freedom is the fact that she can no longer do things for herself. She is rarely allowed to make requests on what she would like to eat. ” There are many different levels throughout the estate, which appear to be positively related to the amount of power possessed by each person residing on the particular level.

In the final scene, Songlian is wandering back and forth in the lane that goes through the estate, listening to a recording of the third wife singing opera music. She even has women to style her hair. Everything is provided for Songlian. She is doing this because she has become mentally unwell as a result of the death of the third wife. They are referred to by numbers, which leads some to think they are better or worse than the other wives depending on their given number. The opposite happens to Songlian and the third wife’s relationship.

An aspect of the film I found interesting is the “house of death. This growing friendship is cut short.

Approximate Word count = 1666
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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