Raise the Red Lantern (MGM World Films) |  | Director: Yimou Zhang
Actors: Li Gong, Jingwu Ma, Saifei He, Cuifen Cao, Qi Zhao
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Category: DVD
List Price: $19.98
Buy New: $10.88
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Rating:  189 reviews
Sales Rank: 4761
Format: Color, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Languages: Mandarin Chinese (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 125 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 108262
UPC: 027616082626
EAN: 0027616082626
ASIN: B000PMFS6O
Theatrical Release Date: 1991
Release Date: July 24, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com essential video
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
Product Description
Songlian, an educated nineteen-year-old girl, is forced to leave college to become the fourth wife of a powerful, feudal nobleman and becomes involved in the intrigues and rivalries between his other wives.
Genre: Foreign Film - Chinese
Rating: PG
Release Date: 24-JUL-2007
Media Type: DVD
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 189
 Great DVD transfer by MGM. But there is one drawback. January 9, 2010
A. Nani Moss (USA)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I remember going into this movie with high expectations, which is usually met with a degree of disappointment. Not this time. This film is marvelous.
It is a 5 star movie but I am subtracting one star because while the movie is unquestionably a masterpiece, and the MGM transfer is terrific compared with past DVD releases, it is completely lacks extras. This DVD release has none! Not even the theatrical trailer, which I figure is the bare minimum these days. I'm sure there are documentaries and commentaries associated with the movie somewhere out there- they just aren't here. So be forewarned of this if you are considering buying the MGM DVD.
That said, you really should add this DVD to your movie library anyway because of the terrific transfer done MGM and the fact that this is simply one of the finest films ever made.
Also be aware that MGM has re-released it's transfer of another Zhang Yimou classic, 'To Live'. If you've never seen it and were stunned at the breathtaking images in 'Raise the Red Lantern', it would definitely be worth your while to obtain that DVD as well!
 A 5-star film on a 1-star DVD January 4, 2010
Dale Miller (Ann Arbor, MI)
The film is set in China in the 1920s during the Warlord Era (1916-1928) when the country was divided among military cliques. Nineteen year-old Songlian (Gong Li) resolves cynically to marry (or become the mistress of) a wealthy man to lift herself out of poverty. Her father has died and left the family penniless. She marries into the Chen family, becoming the fourth mistress (concubine) of the wealthy master. Like the three previous "wives" she is assigned her own lavish quarters where, on nights the master elects to sleep with her, red lanterns are hung out.
The four mistresses or "sisters" share meals (except for the one chosen as the master's sleeping partner for the night; she receives special treatment) and socialize. It is soon apparent that there is a web of jealousy, suspicion and intrigue that underlies their relationships, as they vie for the master's favor.
The first mistress has borne the master a son, who is now around Songlian's age. The third mistress is a former singer in the Chinese opera. She is unhappy with her status as mistress and later confides in Songlian that she is meeting clandestinely with Dr. Gao, the family's physician.
Songlian is assigned a servant girl, Yang, who regards her mistress with contempt and jealousy. When Songlian discovers that Yang has secretly raised red lanterns in her own servant quarters, she flies into a rage, smashes the lanterns and drags Yang out for punishment. Yang becomes ill from shock and later dies.
On her birthday Songlian gets drunk and inadvertently reveals the secret of the third mistress's affair with Dr. Gao. The first mistress goes to the hotel where a tryst is underway and catches them in flagrante delicto. The master is away, and when Meishan's transgression is exposed, his retainers drag her to the tower and she is hanged. When Songlian discovers what has happened, she goes mad and is seen wandering aimlessly dressed in a schoolgirl's uniform.
A stunningly beautiful film with rich, lavish sets and costumes, breathtaking color, a compelling script based on the novel Wives and Concubines by Wu Tong, and consummate acting. Unfortunately the subtitles on the DVD copy I watched were laughably bad (example: servant is rendered as savant) and interfered with my understanding and enjoyment of the movie. Other reviewers have indicated that there are later and better DVD releases. so my advice is to be careful which version you buy/borrow.
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 Disturbing December 14, 2009
steven roy (Seattle United States)
My review will only be about the movie, not the dvd quality. Like all Gong Li movies this one leaves you with a disturbed feeling at the end. Gong Li is such a beautiful woman and when the wives and servants are at each other in this world where men rule it is hard to imagine such a place. It is a very good movie and leaves you with a feeling similar to the end of Farwell my Concubine. I love all Gong Li movies but I can only watch most one time because of the way the movie makes you feel, sort of disturbed and bothered.
What color is your lantern? October 7, 2009
A. Gyurisin (Wet, Wild, Wonderful Virginia)
"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 September 12, 2009
James Fairchild (Fairfield, Iowa)
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.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 189
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