RAISE THE RED LANTERN

There is no doubt that Zhang Yimou, the accomplished director of “Ju Dou” (15th CIFF, 1991) and “Red Sorghum” (13th CIFF, 1989), holds a unique place among the world's greatest filmmakers, a place secured by RAISE THE RED LANTERN. A visual and dramatic triumph, it tells of Songlian, a beautiful young woman who accepts a proposal to become the fourth wife of a wealthy landowner. She is welcomed by most in the household, but soon finds herself locked into a treacherous and ultimately tragic rivalry with the three older wives for the husband's affections. Zhang explains his social and political intent: “I reveal my ideas toward life in China through one Chinese family. I'm not suggesting that people still live this way, only that they still think this way.” One Showing Only!