The movie, "Raise the Red Lanterns", by Chinese director Zhang Vamou, uses many detailed film techniques to portray the twisted tale about a young woman, Songlian, forced to give up everything such as personal freedom and choice, to enter the life of a fourth mistress to a very powerful figure. From the beginning of the film, to the end, the directors artistic and clever techniques emphasize Songlian's solitude, mental torment and experiences in the insane household, and the distorted relationships between all living under the roof. His techniques include the constant focus on Songlian by herself, the slow moving introduction to the film, his portrayal and significance of the red lanterns throughout the movie, and the way he portrays each character and how they interact with each other and their reactions towards the lanterns. The plotline is based on Songlian and her experiences being forced onto an arranged marriage at age 19 to the powerful figure known throughout the movie only as "master". Her experiences include her interactions and rivalries with the other three mistresses - first mistress, second mistress (Zhaiyun), and third mistress (Meeshan). Songlian's solitude is a constant focus, especially during the beginning of the film, where she is first introduced into the arranged marriage. The director manages this very distinct focus on Songlians solitude by the way the camera is always focusing on her alone, and there is always a very dull and silent aura on her and everything throughout the movie. For example, the very first scene introduces this concept by showing Songlian's face only, speaking to someone who we cant see - who is introduced as her mother. Though the most important element is the focus on Songlians face and the accentuation on her loneliness. Her face is very still, and she speaks without much emotion, though we can see that she is being forced into something she has no choice or freedom in, i.
1-INTRODUCTION China's artistic and cultural achievements over the past 3,000 years are the basis of great pride for the Chinese people. The rulers of China's dynasties emphasized their role as protectors of the country's cultural tradition, supporting visual artists and writers and creating ela...
