MovieChat Forums > Da hong denglong gaogao gua (1991) Discussion > The film's message is more than oppressi...

The film's message is more than oppression in communist China

posted 10 years ago by rpizzeghello
1 reply | jump to latest

I love Raise the Red Lantern. Its photography, story, direction, etc. are faultless. Also, the film is rich in its layers of meaning. Many see it as concerning the structure of modern Chinese society. Myself, I see an universal theme of power relations that are present in western countries too. The wives/concubines are oppressed by the master's system but also oppress whoever they can. Just my humble opinion.

Read my thoughts on the film at:
http://wp.me/p38pht-fD

[–] Kragey 10 years ago

I just rewatched this movie for the first time in a few years, and I almost forgot how brilliant it is. The cinematography, the acting, the careful use of sound...every aspect of this film is brilliant.

The "Communist China" reading is very popular, and I quite enjoy it. But while I'm open to many different interpretations, I've best enjoyed analyzing it as an examination of the oppression women face, and the incredible things they must do to try and gain even a little bit of power inside their cage. The final shot of Songlian, walking in circles, boxed in by lanterns and walls, is perfectly apt: no matter how much these women struggle to gain power within their little sphere, they will always be trapped, and any gains they make will ultimately be meaningless.

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