Once again making exceptional use of bright colour, symbolic compositions, stylised sets and the breathtaking rural landscape, director Zhang Yimou has fashioned a compelling and at times erotic story about the repression of women in 1920s China.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 30, 2024

Zhang seems to suggest, the price for rebellion and transgression is still death or madness.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 26, 2022

In Raise the Red Lantern, Zhang Yimou's most widely acclaimed film, the Chinese director portrays life as a series of performative gestures under the duress of cultural tradition, prescribed gender roles, and hierarchical power structures.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Feb 12, 2022

The feminist anthem here is a subtle wisp bolstered by sumptuousness, Zhang's masterful composition and Gong.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jul 15, 2020

This incomparably handsome film quickens and darkens into a fascinating drama of sexual politics in a time when women were little more than pampered prisoners.

| May 31, 2018

With its beautiful look and haunting themes and sublime performances, Raise The Red Lantern is Yimou's master work.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Dec 7, 2007

Visually ravishing and emotionally cold, Zhang's third feature is one long series of pushes and pulls.

Full Review | Feb 27, 2007

One of Yimou's two or three masterpieces, this visually stunning film offers an extraordinary view of gender, sexuality, female rivalry and bonding in a historical context (1920s China) that bears some political relevance to the present time.

| Original Score: A | Oct 31, 2006

A haunting, contemplative study of man's inhumanity to man (or, in this case, woman's inhumanity to woman), as well as the restrictions and feudal intricacies of Chinese society.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Oct 21, 2006

Funcionando tanto como drama quanto como alegoria, o filme desenvolve seu tema com uma fotografia não apenas belíssima, mas também simbólica.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 28, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | May 19, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 13, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Jan 13, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Nov 19, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 8, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 22, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 21, 2003

A beautifully crafted and richly detailed feat of consciousness-raising and a serious drama with the verve of a good soap opera.

Full Review | Original Score: 4.5/5 | May 20, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Sep 3, 2002

The film is always engrossing.

Full Review | Jan 9, 2002