Zhang Yimou's Raise the Red Lantern (1991) is widely regarded as one of the greatest Chinese films of all time and a masterpiece in Asian cinema. In this video essay, I dive deep into the movie’s masterful sound design, symbolism, and its critique of patriarchal traditions.
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The film’s profound themes, stunning cinematography, and intricate storytelling have earned it high praise since its release, including an Academy Award nomination for Best International Film. Set in 1920s China, Raise the Red Lantern explores the feudal oppression of women, making powerful feminist statements through its visual and audio storytelling. The film’s portrayal of tradition and power was so impactful that it was banned in China, seen as a critique of authority and old customs.
// Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Listen to This
00:44 The Film and Director
01:55 First Scene
03:05 Arriving at the Estate
05:21 Raising the Red Lanterns
06:08 The Foot Massage
07:24 The Unseen
09:24 Foreshadowing
10:19 End of Exposition
11:14 The Red Lantern
12:32 The Sound of Freedom
13:30 The Haircut
14:39 House of The Dead
16:35 No Escape
18:22 Final Scene
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