Raise the Red Lantern (MGM World Films)
by Yimou Zhang
List Price:
Our Price: $10.88
You Save: $9.10 (46%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD Cover Information
Actor: Cuifen Cao, Jingwu Ma, Li Gong, Qi Zhao, Saifei HeDirector: Yimou Zhang
Brand: GONG,LI
Cinematographer: Fei Zhao
Cinematographer: Lun Yang
Producer: Fu-Sheng Chiu
Producer: Hsiao-hsien Hou
Producer: Wenze Zhang
Writer: Ni Zhen
Writer: Su Tong
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: Mandarin Chinese (Original Language); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 125 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-07-24
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Movie Reviews of Raise the Red Lantern (MGM World Films)
Movie Review: What color is your lantern?
Summary: 4 Stars
"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 *****
Summary of Raise the Red Lantern (MGM World Films)
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
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
Art House & International DVD Video
DVD Video
- Action & Adventure
- African American Cinema
- Animation
- Anime & Manga
- Art House & International
- Classics
- Comedy
- Cult Movies
- Documentary
- Drama
- Educational
- Fitness & Yoga
- Gay & Lesbian
- Horror
- Kids & Family
- Military & War
- Music Video & Concerts
- Musicals & Performing Arts
- Mystery & Suspense
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Special Interests
- Sports
- Television
- Westerns
Movies most talked about in These are a few of my favorite things...in film.
Requiem for a Dream (Director's Cut)LIONS GATE HOME ENT.; Release date: 2001-08-14; DVD
Best price: $6.76
Price in other shops:
Raise the Red Lantern (MGM World Films)GONG,LI; Release date: 2007-07-24; DVD
Best price: $10.13
Price in other shops:
Eastern Promises (Widescreen Edition)ALTIN,JOSEF; Release date: 2007-12-23; DVD
Best price: $5.65
Price in other shops:
eXistenZRelease date: 1999-10-19; DVD
Best price: $4.23
Price in other shops:
The Royal TenenbaumsDVD
Best price: $18.90
RushmoreDisney; Release date: 1999-06-29; DVD
Best price: $7.54
Price in other shops:
Little Women (Collector's Series)RYDER,WINONA; Release date: 2000-04-25; DVD
Best price: $5.99
Price in other shops:
Strictly BallroomDVD
Best price: $11.74
Roman Holiday (Special Collector's Edition)PARAMOUNT HOME VIDEO; Release date: 2002-11-26; DVD
Best price: $4.98
Price in other shops:
Down with Love (Widescreen Edition)Twentieth Century Fox; Release date: 2003-10-07; DVD
Best price: $3.90
Price in other shops:
Similar DVD Movies
TogetherTANG,YUN; Release date: 2003-11-18; DVD
Best price: $4.88
Price in other shops:
Not One LessMINZHI,WEI; Release date: 2000-08-22; DVD
Best price: $10.86
Price in other shops:
The Blue KiteKino Video; Release date: 2003-01-14; DVD
Best price: $16.14
Price in other shops:
Eat Drink Man WomanLUNG,SIHUNG; Release date: 2002-03-05; DVD
Best price: $7.00
Price in other shops:
The Road HomeZIYI,ZHANG; Release date: 2001-11-27; DVD
Best price: $17.90
Price in other shops:
To Live (MGM World Films)TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT; Release date: 2007-07-24; DVD
Best price: $6.97
Price in other shops:
Farewell to My Concubine (Chinese with English Subtitle)Release date: 2007-12-15; DVD
Best price: $16.95
Price in other shops:
Ju DouRazor; Release date: 2006-02-14; DVD
Best price: $8.39
Price in other shops:
The Story of Qiu JuSony; Release date: 2006-03-28; DVD
Best price: $4.23
Price in other shops:
To LiveGONGLI,GEYOU; Release date: 2003-07-01; DVD
Best price: $4.58
Price in other shops: