"Raise the Red Lantern" and Corruption in China

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews the critically acclaimed 1991 film, "Raise the Red Lantern" by world-renowned director Zhang Yimou. The author summarizes the film about a young girl who becomes the third concubine of the wealthy Chen household. The paper describes the film as a parable for the corruption of modern society in China and explains the symbols used to depict communist authoritarianism in the film - the Chen household represents the government, and the customs of the house are the laws of the country. The author also praises Zhang's use of rich colors to enhance the the emotional response to the film.

From the Paper:

"The red lanterns in this film are a stunning image, representing the power of the concubine. As was done in historical China, the lanterns are lit at the house of the concubine who the master favours. The concubine that has the lit lanterns ultimately has control over the rest of the concubines, as well as great influence over the master. If a concubine breaks the rules of the household, her lanterns will be covered in black cloth."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Berardinelli, James. "Review: Raise the Red Lantern." Reel Views (1996) < http://www.reelviews.net/movies/r/raise.html> (26 November 2008).
• "Concubines of Ancient China." Beijing Made Easy (2008). <http://www.beijing madeeasy.com/beijing-history/concubines-of-ancient-china> (26 November 2008).
• Schoppa, R. Keith. Revolution and its Past: Identities and Change in Modern China. 2nd ed. New York: Prentice Hall, 2005.
• Smith, S.E. "What is a Concubine?" WiseGEEK. < http://www.wisegeek.com /what-is-a-concubine.htm> (26 November 2008).
• Wikipedia contributors. "Raise the Red Lantern." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia (November 2008) <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Raise_the_Red_Lantern> (26 November 2008).

More papers on "Raise the Red Lantern" and Corruption in China:

• Analytical Essay # 130805 : "Tragic Fate of Chinese Women and 'Raise the Red Lantern'"
• Film Review # 27976 : "Raise the Red Lantern"
• Term Paper # 100587 : "Raise the Red Lantern"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: