Raise the Red Lantern (1991)

My continuing education in Chinese film brought me to this masterpiece, directed by Zhang Yimou (Hero-2004, House of Flying Daggers-2004). Taking place in China in the 1920s, it is the story of a wealthy man and his wives, each living in separate houses within the master's estate.

The movie begins as a young girl journeys to a rich man's estate to become his fourth wife. She quickly learns about the daily competition among the wives for the master's attention as her wedding night is interrupted by one of her predecessors. As the master announces with whom he will spend each evening, following an old family tradition by lighting a number of red lanterns outside the chosen wife's house, the wives play malicious tricks on one another, some of which have tragic results, to gain his favor.

The master of the estate is never really seen in the movie, which foreshadows unmentionable troubles and highlights the general lack of attention he has for all of his wives. Great sound and music in this movie, which helps build and sustain tension while also adding to the mysterious seduction of the film. Beautiful to watch, the movie showcases Zhang's love of color, portrayed in the sultry shades and interior decorations of the houses of his four wives, and contrasted with the dark and dull exteriors. Don't expect a happy ending.