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Raise the Red Lantern
Raise the Red Lantern
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Raise the Red Lantern

Raise the Red Lantern

1991
Romance, Drama
2h 5m
China in the 1920's. After her fathers death, nineteen year old Songlian is forced to marry Chen Zuoqian... (imdb)

Directed by:

Yimou Zhang

Screenwriter:

Su Tong, Ni Zhen

Starring:

Gong Li, Baotian Li, Saifei He, Cuifen Cao, Jingwu Ma, Qi Zhao, Lin Kong, Shuyuan Jin

Genres:

Romance, Drama, History

AKA:

Da hong deng long gao gao gua

Countries:

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan

Language:

Mandarin
imdb IMDb
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Raise the Red Lantern

1991
Romance, Drama
2h 5m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 76.54% from 1215 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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kahKAH
Rated 09 Aug 2009
3
74th
A visually intriguing and delicately slow-paced movie. For me it's about society's potentially corruptive force on human nature, rewarding the competetive and ruthless, turning the oppressed into oppressors. It can easily serve as a parable on political as well as existential matters.
Rated 09 Aug 2009
joojooJooJoo
Rated 13 Sep 2009
6
95th
The end bit is overkill but man oh man was I loving everything else. Li Gong is near perfection and the narrative is always exploring interesting areas, especially in the earlier sections. I could go on and on about how highly I consider the cinematography.
Rated 13 Sep 2009
judge_holdenJudge Holden
Rated 28 Dec 2011
8
94th
An extraordinary film that lulls you in with its slow burning narrative and stunning color photography. The ghostly lanterns and desolate landscape create an increasingly eerie mood where the past horrors never seem too far away. It eventually builds to a harrowing climax and becomes a powerful and moving tale of people being stretched thin between the forces of an oppressive society and their own internal desperation to belong.
Rated 28 Dec 2011
saucyjacksaucyjack
Rated 10 Dec 2007
83
72nd
Pretty good film detailing the rather unfortunate life of a concubine. Not being a fan (or connoisseur) of Chinese history, was bored out of my mind for much of the film, however.
Rated 10 Dec 2007
cinemaasiaCinema_Asia
Rated 25 Jan 2010
90
96th
The only way to describe this film is hauntingly beautiful. This rather socially oppressive era of China is recreated in stunning atmospheric detail. There are times when you feel that if you look hard enough you'll see all the ghosts of the past concubines in the background. There's an entire surreal feel to the cinematography that's difficult to explain. The only minor flaws is that the writing makes things a little too obvious when this film begs for subtlety.
Rated 25 Jan 2010
le_mamile mami
Rated 03 Aug 2017
55
44th
The cinematography is so great that you may think the movie is great too. This movie is filled with magnificent visuals and set pieces. However, the story is not strong enough to support its visuals. I found the critiques against the system pretty weak and the ending took the easy way out.
Rated 03 Aug 2017
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
81st
A fascinating and moving tale of the power struggles between a man's concubines. I wasn't too into it at first, but by the second half it got really interesting. I don't like it as much as To Live or Not One Less, but I'd definitely watch it again.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 29 Jul 2011
5
91st
A damning allegory for authoritarian/patriarchal society wrapped neatly in a sensuous tale of jealousy and betrayal. It begins as a seemingly formal drama and slowly gives way to something much more intense (and even frightening towards the end). Zhao Fei's bold, striking use of color not only heightens the mood but also contributes greatly to the film's thematic and narrative conceits. A truly magnificent film.
Rated 29 Jul 2011
tjekhovTjekhov
Rated 25 Nov 2010
80
86th
Oh, Criticker, my sweet criticker - you, who know me so well. Gong Li, thick chinese symbolism, red lanterns and small family drama that turns uglier every ten minutes - beautiful. Almost everything in this film you can predict within a ten mile radius, but when something surprises you - it comes at you tenfold - and this is the key to this film. Small steps all the way - but once you are there, everything is broken down to pieces and it's your job to put them back together again. Fantastic..
Rated 25 Nov 2010
lisa_iilisa-
Rated 18 Jan 2014
6
83rd
i only got this because of the high PSI, because there's no way i would have rented a film with such a boring looking cover and description otherwise. that is, period dramas don't entice me much. but i'm glad i did. this isn't at all what i thought it'd be, and instead it's a striking indictment of the power structures endemic in an oppressive world. the direction is unconventional, the drama unpredictable, the photography beautiful, and the use of music is truly excellent. a great surprise.
Rated 18 Jan 2014
q31Q31
Rated 09 Apr 2010
89
40th
A good movie, though quite heavy (well, compared to what I usually watch!). The costumes are beautiful.
Rated 09 Apr 2010
ytadelYtadel
Rated 14 Aug 2007
8
93rd
A simple story carried out with a luxuriously slow pace, dwelling on the gorgeous visuals and haunting mood with confidence. Also, Gong Li is amazing (and damn if she doesn't look as good today as she did over fifteen years ago).
Rated 14 Aug 2007
fudgiebfudgieb
Rated 10 Jul 2008
90
70th
It gets a little tedious here and there, but the artistry of the sets, costumes, and "customs" is pretty awe inspiring. It's frightening to think that people (probably) actually lived like this.
Rated 10 Jul 2008
spunkieSpunkie
Rated 08 Apr 2007
89
98th
Yimou Zhang was once an inspiring storyteller before he got caught in wuxia genre and visual fx possibilities. I hope he comes out of it. R.t.R.L. offers a classic story about traditions with a perfect balance and elegance. The atmosphere created in "lantern rituals" is a must see. Applauds go to Lun Yang & Fei Zhao for realizing all the light work as well.
Rated 08 Apr 2007
addsAdds
Rated 05 Aug 2019
90
95th
One of the many movies I should not have been allowed to watch as a child. I understood just enough for the room on the roof to haunt me into adulthood. Rewatched, and I can say this is one of my favorite films.
Rated 05 Aug 2019
kito1kito1
Rated 05 Nov 2019
60
47th
It's an okay melodrama. The slow camera and esoteric score are nice, but the story is a bit too lengthy.
Rated 05 Nov 2019
brrrpbrrrp
Rated 19 Feb 2024
75
76th
Felt like the ending fell away just a little, but otherwise a strong tragedy with magnificent atmosphere. Foregrounding of female characters was also quite interesting, how the patriarch just sort of hangs around a little but is generally off-screen is a good touch.
Rated 19 Feb 2024
whatisitiseewhatisitisee
Rated 15 Apr 2014
85
91st
elegant and turbulent
Rated 15 Apr 2014
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 14 May 2014
80
91st
I think Zhang exaggerates more and more toward the ending, but for a period drama with a bit of a fairytale vibe, there's something admirably restrained and subtle about the movie, which makes some leeway for its eventual extremes. It's never explicated, and focuses rather on tensions between the Master's four mistresses and their servant, but it obviously works as an indictment of patriarchal norms. Great acting from the lead.
Rated 14 May 2014
chmulcr0nchmul_cr0n
Rated 20 Jun 2014
61
30th
hmm. weird ending.
Rated 20 Jun 2014
suture_selfSuture Self
Rated 03 Apr 2015
10
96th
A flaming indictment of Confucian gender roles and social stratification. It also has much to say about polyamorous relationships: you enjoy time with one partner at the expense of other partners, which creates loneliness, pain, jealousy, resentment - it's a setup for unhappiness, especially within a Confucian framework. Perhaps instead of four separate bedrooms the master should have had one large bedroom, à la Kommune 1? Polyamory seems to work better when everyone is involved all at once...
Rated 03 Apr 2015
ehk2ehk2
Rated 18 Dec 2015
94
99th
so, it's nominated but they did not give it the Oscar, ha?! damn it.
Rated 18 Dec 2015
rufamRufam
Rated 15 Apr 2017
80
85th
A beautifully atmospheric parable that could be as much about gender as about class. Maybe Zhang relies too heavily on his perfectly disciplined, symbolic shots and occasionally lacks on character development (not that it's all allegory and no drama, thanks, in great part, to Gong Li), but damn those lanterns look grandiose.
Rated 15 Apr 2017
nathanbatesNathanBates
Rated 16 Jul 2017
60
35th
"Actions have consequences, even when living unfulfilled lives."
Rated 16 Jul 2017
syntheseizurSyntheseizur
Rated 04 Aug 2017
88
89th
Much of the praise for the film is a result of the rich and elegant traditional period aesthetic, and rightly so, but thematically, the film transcends those conventions to a remarkable extent. Few films so narratively refined can also tackle a topic as complex as the feminine competition and unity borne of a bitterly dehumanizing patriarchy, but this film manages. It's colorful, gorgeous, and enriching, and it works on every level.
Rated 04 Aug 2017
kavuKavu
Rated 14 Jun 2019
90
94th
Well crafted and acted.
Rated 14 Jun 2019
larsvontrierLarsVonTrier
Rated 13 Jun 2022
4
93rd
a must see.
Rated 13 Jun 2022
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 25 Jul 2020
5
20th
Being authentic and true to history isn't going to impress me if it isn't backed up by some interesting characters or compelling drama. I can admire the restraint and subtlety but the lulling story and detached cinematography only deepened my indifference and the ending was so lame it hurt. Cutting my nails as I watched this definitely helped pass the time.
Rated 25 Jul 2020
heathers09Heather_S09
Rated 06 Apr 2007
87
88th
G is for gorgeous, both Gong Li and the cinematography.
Rated 06 Apr 2007
chengmingchengming
Rated 12 Aug 2020
65
47th
The setting is interesting, but acting and staging are far too theatrical to support the long, static shots.
Rated 12 Aug 2020
drtfx7drtfx7
Rated 22 Jun 2021
90
96th
A timeless tale of uphill battle of progressivism against society and its blind adherence to tradition. Even those who think they are clever enough to rig the game are very quickly disabused of their notions and are punished more for being a rebel. There's simply no winning and the only way out seems to be is to go insane or die. Shot with a color palette to convey its meaning and capturing imagery full of life in a lifeless location, Raise the Red Lantern hits hard and hits right.
Rated 22 Jun 2021
bookhouseboybookhouseboy
Rated 29 Jan 2023
95
99th
A simple story with compelling depth, a sublime framing of visual beauty, and a score that adds to the horrific, hypnotic, haunting and heartbreaking household at the center of it all. Add in amazing performances, from Gong Li especially, but also He Safei - and this is a masterpiece I can only raise a glass to and thankfully salute; I'll see you again now and then. *Preview*: #23#, rw5, adored, rewatch(4) }**{ #90s(e)#, reviews, story.
Rated 29 Jan 2023
metismetis
Rated 06 Aug 2021
80
70th
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Rated 06 Aug 2021
treeoflifetreeoflife
Rated 28 Nov 2022
88
82nd
pretty good film. for me, the unusual choices (from a western film perspective) makes it, not just visuals: the distinct architecture, not showing the face of the master, same camera angles, same tunes. it communicates well, how isolated and "in their head" these people are. i haven't seen that many Chinese films and i took this film as a reflection of the political system over there as well which adds another value for me.
Rated 28 Nov 2022
doyler29doyler29
Rated 14 Nov 2021
90
87th
This is an immensely beautiful and angry film. Yimou shoots in thee strip technicolor, creating the kind of rich palette that's so rarely seen these days. He wisely never shoots Ma directly, leaving him as either an offscreen presence or shooting him from a distance and always in profile. It creates a world ruled by a presence that never really needs to be part of that world.
Rated 14 Nov 2021
mysticMystic
Rated 14 Jan 2022
5
88th
Top-class.
Rated 14 Jan 2022
bownBown
Rated 07 Nov 2022
88
88th
Impossibly beautiful with impeccable framing of the fascinating central location, and as good as a fable on patriarchal systems as it is a character study. Remarkable.
Rated 07 Nov 2022
shockularSHOCKULAR
Rated 01 Sep 2022
95
97th
A beautiful, dark, tragic, and damn entertaining drama about the four wives of a rich man in 1920s Japan focusing on things like gender roles and, perhaps most interestingly, the often ruthless domestic political maneuvering between the wives. Li Gong is fantastic in the lead role. This is a rare great movie that I felt might have even been better if the middle portion was longer and had even more room to breath, though I'll defer to the editing and direction on that. A masterpiece.
Rated 01 Sep 2022
theyshoot11theyshoot11
Rated 30 Nov 2011
77
54th
#454
Rated 30 Nov 2011
meerkatmeerkat
Rated 12 Nov 2007
90
81st
Stunning. Both the visual impact and the soundscape were amazing. I loved this film. Gong Li is fantastic. Absolutely my favorite Zhang Yimou film.
Rated 12 Nov 2007
theyshoot07theyshoot07
Rated 01 Mar 2008
82
71st
# 355
Rated 01 Mar 2008
theyshoot08theyshoot08
Rated 19 Dec 2008
80
60th
410
Rated 19 Dec 2008
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 01 May 2009
82
92nd
Nice Movie
Rated 01 May 2009
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 02 May 2009
89
92nd
Starts off slow but as more details are unraveled and the complexity behind the relationships becomes apparent it gets more and more intriguing. The actresses are all great but the biggest star is the cinematography. Stunning framing, composition and use of colours.
Rated 02 May 2009
nunstranglernunstrangler
Rated 18 Jul 2009
86
83rd
Gong Li is exquisite as the young woman struggling for dignity in a portrayal which is both haunting and tragic.
Rated 18 Jul 2009
weafdogWeafdog
Rated 08 Nov 2009
42
66th
Visually stunning. Delicious beauty. Shakespearean in its content. Unfortunately, just not my cup of tea when it comes to movies.
Rated 08 Nov 2009
theyshoot10theyshoot10
Rated 14 Jan 2010
78
56th
448
Rated 14 Jan 2010
jenks101jenks101
Rated 20 Apr 2010
90
83rd
Consistenly, Li Gong does angry/spiteful/"flippin' crazy" like no other Chinese actress. Raise the Red Lantern is a good example of this. Good film, minus the painful pacing.
Rated 20 Apr 2010
martrynmartryn
Rated 28 Dec 2010
88
90th
An entertaining if depressing story of whores. I fell asleep some time in the first half, but what I saw of the second half kept me quite awake and focused on the film. Really wish I would have made an effort to stay awake.
Rated 28 Dec 2010
babamotsbabamots
Rated 03 Jan 2011
89
85th
First half is a bit dull, but they're just setting up the pieces. It then unleashes intriguing surprises, though grittier than I expected.
Rated 03 Jan 2011
redfalconRed_Falcon_
Rated 22 Aug 2011
72
57th
This is a well done film with good acting and subtle plot that was a little to slow paced for my taste.
Rated 22 Aug 2011
glm01glm01
Rated 05 Oct 2013
89
97th
88.500
Rated 05 Oct 2013
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 17 Dec 2011
73
76th
This psychological female drama set in the 1920s provides a restless (but subtle) look on old traditions and, with an interesting connection between characters and their lives with cinematography/soundtrack -- these two elements set different moods from season to season --, Yimou achieves a moving result. But, as narrative goes, I felt some unnecessary urgency in the last 30 minutes -- and that "oh she lost it living in this antiquate world" finale just reveals the weakness of the book.
Rated 17 Dec 2011
damildamil
Rated 17 Jan 2012
70
67th
It was pretty good. A little slow to start with. But it got nice and dark, and I liked the ending a lot.
Rated 17 Jan 2012
tzakieltzakiel
Rated 14 Feb 2012
96
99th
If you haven't seen Yimou Zhang's earlier dramas, you have really missed out. This is one of my favorites, full of depth and resonance. A fantastic film.
Rated 14 Feb 2012
natebarriosnatebarrios
Rated 05 May 2012
65
43rd
Catty mean bitchez
Rated 05 May 2012
senseisensei
Rated 24 Jun 2012
90
93rd
About halfway through the film, I actually began to appreciate Beijing Opera, something I never thought possible, which speaks to the film's quality. If you are unfamiliar with Beijing opera, it is the Chinese equivalent of the bagpipes or perhaps American Indians singing: aggressively offensive to the ear and empirical proof that cultural relativism is flawed. The film itself is spectacular, depicting a hell on earth (imposed by self and culture). It reaffirms my decision to live as a hermit.
Rated 24 Jun 2012
fliersFliers
Rated 20 Nov 2012
90
93rd
Very well composed and sad movie. Cinematography was kind of surreal. Very 'closed' movie, felt claustrophobic while watching.
Rated 20 Nov 2012
caimancaiman
Rated 02 Jan 2013
79
59th
The film is stunningly beautiful to look at and it has a wonderful tone. But it left me a bit cold. Perhaps another viewing will improve my opinion.
Rated 02 Jan 2013
whatismynamewhatismyname
Rated 18 Mar 2013
75
88th
I'm glad to have learned who Li Gong is, what a great actress. The story is well put-together. The relationships between the 4 'sisters' works nicely.
Rated 18 Mar 2013
zapperlifeZapperLife
Rated 07 Apr 2013
89
97th
Revisited (2)
Rated 07 Apr 2013
mgaaamg_aaa
Rated 16 Sep 2013
75
11th
good cinematophraphy in raise the red latern
Rated 16 Sep 2013
muteashesMuteAshes
Rated 22 Sep 2013
75
61st
Iersonally, I dislike this topic, but the movie is not bad.
Rated 22 Sep 2013

Cast & Info

Directed by:

Yimou Zhang

Screenwriter:

Su Tong, Ni Zhen

Starring:

Gong Li, Baotian Li, Saifei He, Cuifen Cao, Jingwu Ma, Qi Zhao, Lin Kong, Shuyuan Jin

Genres:

Romance, Drama, History

AKA:

Da hong deng long gao gao gua

Countries:

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan

Language:

Mandarin
imdb IMDb
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