Raise the red lantern is a film directed by Zhang Yimou. It is based on the 1990 novel of Su tong; Wives and Concubines.
Set in 1920’s on China (during Warlord Era), the nineteen-year- old protagonist named SongLian was forced by her step-mother to tie a knot with the wealthy master, Master Chen. Becoming the fourth mistress of the house, or can also be referred as the fourth concubine.
In Ancient China and even in some part of Asia, Concubinage is quite normal. In a sense ,that having many wives and taking several concubines can be affiliated into power and status quo.
In this film, Every time the master took another concubine, It is a custom that the concubine must be pampered like a royalty but after that or in a daily basis, The master will chose who’s concubine he’ll be with or spend the night with. The proof of that is the well-lit Red lanterns in the house of his chosen concubine/wife. To add up, The chosen concubine/wife can choose her meals and she will receive foot massage.
In the modern day wherein Marriage between a man and a woman, It is a sacred sacrament (for Christianity). Having Extra partners outside marriage is considered a sin and Being a mistress is highly-seen as a disgrace unlike before.
For me, I’ve also come up with the realization that being a women before is really a pitiful situation. Traditions and customs amputate the rights and power of women to decide on their own—- for marriage, education, and so on. There’s no freedom and free-will that you could discuss and women rights to fight for. That’s why i’m glad that we’re living on this day.
Cheers to all beautiful, strong and independent women all over the world!
The Movie Buff 🎥 