When a Director Understands Sound

Zhang Yimou's Raise the Red Lantern (1991) is widely regarded as one of the greatest Chinese films of all time and a masterpiece in Asian cinema. In this video essay, I dive deep into the movie’s masterful sound design, symbolism, and its critique of patriarchal traditions.

// Need high-quality music and sound effects for your videos? Try Epidemic Sound for free:

// Support my channel:

// If you enjoyed the video, consider subscribing for more!

// Follow me for info on new releases:

// Letterboxd:

The film’s profound themes, stunning cinematography, and intricate storytelling have earned it high praise since its release, including an Academy Award nomination for Best International Film. Set in 1920s China, Raise the Red Lantern explores the feudal oppression of women, making powerful feminist statements through its visual and audio storytelling. The film’s portrayal of tradition and power was so impactful that it was banned in China, seen as a critique of authority and old customs.

// Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Listen to This
00:44 The Film and Director
01:55 First Scene
03:05 Arriving at the Estate
05:21 Raising the Red Lanterns
06:08 The Foot Massage
07:24 The Unseen
09:24 Foreshadowing
10:19 End of Exposition
11:14 The Red Lantern
12:32 The Sound of Freedom
13:30 The Haircut
14:39 House of The Dead
16:35 No Escape
18:22 Final Scene

// For business contact and sponsorship inquiries:

#movie
#videoessay
#filmanalysis

[JustOneMoreThing_YT]

Which Asian director do you think is the best at creating powerful visuals and why?
From Japanese legends like Kurosawa and Ozu to contemporary South Korean masters like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho, and the unique visual style of Hong Kong’s Wong Kar-wai, Asian cinema is filled with directors whose storytelling has shaped film history. Who stands out to you and why?

[BONKLOOM]

If they own your body, become a ghost. If they own your mind, lose it. Wow what a great line

[BasicDomesticActivity]

Raise the red lantern is one of my favorite films! Most of Zhang Yimou and Gong Li's films together are masterpieces or damn close to it.

[Yuuruuuuo]

Some films need to be rewatched to be fully understood. I truly believe that when you give a film a second chance—especially if you didn't get it the first time or found it boring—you develop a deeper appreciation for it.

[remxuy]

The algorithm brought me here. I was looking for this movie, because I watched when I was a child and couldn't remember the hole story, but the images were etched deep in my mind. I watched again yesterday and felt like I completed a missing part of my childlish memories. The movie is beautiful and could not be more suited for these actual times. Thanks for the analysis.

[aldo]

Such a great video essay my friend, so interesting and enriching, hugs!

[mercurious]

Saw this film decades ago, it was thrilling to revisit it through your analysis. Thank you

[deardaughter]

That was one of the best movie analyses I've ever seen/heard. Thank you bruv.

[Tia-Marie]

I saw this movie when I was a teenager staying up late one night and I have been obsessed with this movie for ages.

It's audible and visually stunning.

[mgtn]

I have seen this movie a lot, and I really enjoyed it. I appreciate your thoughtful, in-depth analysis of sound.

[crontainer]

i really enjoyed this and also the cadence of speech thank u!!! the editing is so soothing and highlights the film while making your points :D subscribed

[shesaidsomething]

I took film as an elective in college and am ashamed by the lack of substance. This was a beautiful exposition of this film and the art form in general. Thank you

[ddittmar]

This film is my favorite of all time. I truly appreciate this new perspective and all the detail you've supplied. I have seen RTRL so many times I can remember almost all the little sounds you describe. After watching this video, I will be re-watching this film. It's like a craving. When someone makes me start thinking about it, I gotta watch it again. Like chocolate or ice cream. Yum.

[jennadoinsomethin]

Wow. Excellent film analysis. I'm familiar with Zhang Yimou's work but I haven't seen this film. I'm looking forward to watching now!

[animaniacsrule]

The Gables Cinema Society had this on their bi-weekly recommendations recently and I picked it up out of curiosity. This is one of the most masterful films I’ve ever seen

[sianavassileva]

your work as a video essayist is spectacular

[KaranSingh]

Damn, I need a day to recover from it and then permanently scar myself by watching this movie. Great video though.

[solecurious]

Brilliantly and eloquently narrated. Thank you.

[Ummmmmmmm]

I don't think she is faking at the end, because of the film's symbolism, songlian is eventually doomed in the house. No matter what happens she will be prisoner for life. It is also resonating with the reality, if you look back in history or even nowadays, women are still "going crazy" in places, like the chained mother of eight that happened not too long ago. To have her faking it would defeat the purpose of the film. (Hell even my grand-aunt was one of them, going crazy and went missing forever)

[thetattooedredhead]

I first watched this film in 2019. I’ve been wanting to rewatch it but I keep forgetting to. I remember it being kind of depressing but I still liked it. I also thought Gong Li was amazing in this film. Shes probably the best Chinese actress there is.