Raise the Red Lantern

Rating:
Summary: exquisite and profound
Review: Wonderful in everything she does, this is perhaps one of Gong Li's most memorable parts, as Songlian, a young woman who sells herself to a rich man, and the amazingly complex and dramatic web of intrigue she finds within his household. Visually, this film is spectacular, and the supporting cast superb. Don't miss this tale of jealousy, revenge, and madness. You'll be riveted by its poetic beauty and its ghosts from the past.

Rating:
Summary: Can't stop watching it . . .
Review: There are few movies that I have found more gripping than this one. After viewing it on Bravo, I immediately ordered it from Amazon, and have watched it several times since. The expressiveness of Gong Li's face is unparalleled, except perhaps by one of my favorite actresses--Meryl Streep. Every aspect of this movie is fascinating.

Rating:
Summary: Hauntingly beautiful
Review: This is one of the best films ever made. Gorgeous scenery, a compelling story, and the talented Gong Li make this film a marvel to watch. This is the movie which hooked me on foreign cinema. Raise the Red Lantern is an intelligent film and the ending haunted me for days. Simply wonderful.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: As others have said, an excellent movie, and one that everyone should see. The acting and cinematography are excellent. The storyline is fabulous, and really makes one feel for what women have been put through, not only in imperialist China, but everywhere.

Rating:
Summary: Yeah, I'd Watch this again
Review: I love foreign films, and this was one of the better ones. It is a bit slow, and not action packed, but the story line was fairly unique. I liked it better when I watched it a second time...

Rating:
Summary: A Lesson for Women
Review: Although my friends and I cannot compare ourselves to Gong Li or her situation, it is interesting to note the parallels of everyday life in modern times to those of the women in this movie. The one reason that I wanted my women friends to view this movie was so that they could understand those parallels more clearly. Women compete in some very subtle ways--so subtle that many of my friends deny there is any back-stabbing going on today. But when you see the behaviors of these women who have to share one man, it becomes clear that machinations are indeed in progress. It is understandable in their situation--they had to kowtow to the master because they were chattle. Those women were victimized by men and society, but the most frustrating part was that they victimized themselves and each other. There are many similarities from the movie that compare to how women treat one another in today's world. This movie should be viewed by all women, especially young women. Hopefully all will come away with a deeper understanding of how we can be supportive of one another. I LOVED this movie.

Rating:
Summary: SAW IT 5 TIMES
Review: I saw this movie about five times and it's great every single time I watched it. I agree that Americans should start watching foreign movies and find out how great they really are.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This is a wonderful video. The scenery, symbolism and poetry go far beyond what is available in the American theatre. A must for those who love cinema. Bring it back!

Rating:
Summary: Raise the Red Latern was an excellent movie
Review: I recommend this movie to anyone. You feel sympathy for all the mistresses of the house. Gong Li does a superb job of a woman who has to deal with all the treachery around her

Rating:
Summary: A Masterful Piece Of Modern Chinese Cinema
Review: The all-time classic that everyone has to see, adapted from the novel by Su Tong. A university-educated (which here means 6 months!) girl goes to live as a concubine in the home of a wealthy feudal nobleman in 1920's China, having accepted that she has no future if she tries to make it on her own. Once there, she becomes the Fourth Wife/Mistress, and embroiled in a battle for her Master's favour (in doing so makes life much easier), and to stay sane. The acting is brilliant, the relationships between the women of the house and their servants well-realised, and the atmosphere is perfect. There cannot be any excuse for not seeing this film.