Raise the Red Lantern (1991): cast, story & where to watch
1991 · Film · ★ 7.9
Released in 1991, Raise the Red Lantern is a drama film directed by Zhang Yimou, running about 125 minutes. “China, 1920. One Master, Four Wives.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. China in the 1920s. After her father's death, 19 year old Songlian is forced to marry the much older lord of a powerful family. With three wives already, each living in a separate house within the great castle, there is fierce competition for his attention and the privileges that are gained. This competition gets out of hand.
Who’s in it. Raise the Red Lantern stars Gong Li as Song Lian, Ma Jingwu as Chen Zuo Qian, Ma Jingwu as Chen Zuo Qian and He Saifei as Mei Shan, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.9/10, Raise the Red Lantern has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Raise the Red Lantern page.
If you liked it. Fans of Raise the Red Lantern tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Raise the Red Lantern (1991)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Raise the Red Lantern change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Raise the Red Lantern worth watching?
- Raise the Red Lantern holds an audience score of 7.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in Raise the Red Lantern?
- Raise the Red Lantern stars Gong Li, Ma Jingwu, Ma Jingwu, He Saifei and Cao Cuifen.
- When was Raise the Red Lantern released?
- Raise the Red Lantern was released in 1991, with a runtime of about 125 minutes.