Raise the Red Lantern(1991)
Masterpiece
I don't care what anyone says, this film belongs in the top 10 films of
the 90s worldwide...the story, the implicit attacks on the Communist
regime, cinematography, direction, and acting (Gong Li was superb)
coelesced into one extraordinary piece of cinema magic that transcends
both cultural and language differences. The film was so refreshing and
exciting for me, yet it was also quite a dark film. Not a lot of
"conventional action", instead, the intensity of the film comes from
the actor's and their emotions. A very powerful film, and disturbing
one at that. Job well done...Zhang Yimou was brilliant with this one.
If you're a lover of great cinema, then this is a must. I'm already
hounding at Criterion to take on this film.
