To most people, the title RAISE THE RED LANTERN speaks for itself — it’s practically synonymous with 1990s art house cinema.
However, I was 9 when this film hit theaters, so when I think of director Yimou Zhang, I think HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS or CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER — you know, opulent dramas with lots of swords and impeccably dressed armies. Stunning, but slightly hollow and distant. More pomp than substance. RAISE THE RED LANTERN is remarkably different.
For those who missed the original press response, this week’s coverage in the Seattle papers just does not do the film justice. Check out RAISE THE RED LANTERN on RottenTomatoes for a sense of just how extraordinary this film is.
Established cinephiles, get ready for some 90s nostalgia. And for the next generation of film lovers, prepared to be blown away.
