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Zhang Yimou's Raise the Red Lantern: Tradition vs. Modernity

1/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Zhang Yimou’s acclaimed film, *Raise the Red Lantern*, immerses viewers in the fierce rivalry of four wives in 1920s Republican China, all yearning for their husband’s affection. While it has won prestigious awards like the BAFTA, its reach in the West remains limited, showcasing a poignant struggle between enduring traditions and evolving modern values.

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Story summary

Zhang Yimou’s acclaimed film, *Raise the Red Lantern*, immerses viewers in the fierce rivalry of four wives in 1920s Republican China, all yearning for their husband’s affection. While it has won prestigious awards like the BAFTA, its reach in the West remains limited, showcasing a poignant struggle between enduring traditions and evolving modern values.