Raise the Red Lantern

New foreign film #2 of 2026 (Goal: 52) Country: China Language: Mandarin “You may be a university student and I’m just an opera singer, but our fates are the same.” A beautifully-shot and acted portrayal of how women across history and across cultures have been forced to serve the interests of a man so unremarkable that we barely see his face. The man who hoards his wealth and the power that comes with it, using it to suck the life of whichever desperate woman he waves it in front of next. And yet, even in childhood, we’re taught to hate the women seeking that same affection instead of the man stringing us along for his entertainment. Flawless use of color and symbolism. Every shot could be a painting. Incredible character development among the four Sisters. So many lingering shots, so much stillness, so much silence, yet such complex and thoughtful story development. So many twists that felt both surprising and inevitable, which are, in my opinion, what make up a truly enticing and moving story. I’m kinda obsessed with this and it will be at the forefront of my mind for a while I think. Also apparently I need to add a Chinese opera to my bucket list because Meishun’s singing was heavenly. Community quote: “Marriage is like tea parties. Except the women are the stuffed animals, the men are making them talk, and they’re not drinking tea—they’re drinking antiquated gender roles.”