Raise the Red Lantern

Main Plot

Raise the Red Lantern follows the story of a young woman named Songlian who becomes the fourth wife of a wealthy and powerful man in 1920s China. Upon entering the household, she discovers the complex dynamics among the wives, each vying for their husband's favor and the privileges that come with it. The tradition of raising a red lantern signifies the chosen wife's status for the night, leading to intense rivalries and emotional turmoil. As Songlian navigates her new life, she grapples with the oppressive customs and the isolation that comes with her position. The film explores themes of power, jealousy, and the constraints of societal norms, highlighting the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. The atmosphere is charged with tension as the relationships among the wives become increasingly fraught, ultimately revealing the darker consequences of their competition for love and recognition.

Characters

• Gong Li plays Songlian, a university student who becomes the fourth wife of a wealthy lord, navigating complex relationships and power dynamics within his household.
• Jingwu Ma plays the Housekeeper in the film, overseeing the household's operations and subtly manipulating conflicts among the master's wives.
• Saifei He plays Meishan, the third wife of a wealthy man, who struggles with rivalry and oppression in a complex household hierarchy.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Raise the Red Lantern, the protagonist, Songlian, faces the culmination of her struggles within the oppressive confines of a patriarchal household. After a series of escalating conflicts among the wives, the tension reaches a breaking point when Songlian's desire for power and recognition leads her to make a desperate choice. She becomes increasingly isolated as her actions provoke jealousy and resentment from the other wives. The climax occurs when Songlian's defiance against the established order results in severe consequences. The patriarch's authority is ultimately unchallenged, and Songlian's rebellion is met with harsh punishment. In a poignant and tragic conclusion, she is left in a state of despair, symbolizing the futility of her struggle against the rigid societal norms that govern her life. The final scene, where she is confined and the red lanterns continue to be raised for the other wives, underscores the cyclical nature of oppression and the lack of agency for women in this setting. The ending encapsulates the film's exploration of power dynamics, tradition, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of autonomy, leaving viewers with a haunting reflection on the cost of societal expectations.