For spring break I took time to view a movie called “Raise The Red Lantern.” This movie was based in the 1920s and was an adaptation of the novel “Wives and Concubines.” This movie used lanterns to symbolize status among the household and women. Whichever concubines the master chose to sleep with would get their house and room filled with lanterns, and would get the household respect which elevated her status. Lanterns are normally associated with Chinese culture and this movie can help give students a new perspective on how they were used. As the Visual art teacher at my school, I can see my students enjoying and creating lanterns and giving presentations on the artistry of their designs. Lanterns can be done in many different shapes and styles that students can choose from. For example, they can be created by using paper, wood, or clay and they can use circles, oval, or square shapes. They could also paint or use calligraphy on the outside for their designs. This is a great movie that can get students thinking about Chinese tradition and rules and how lanterns played an important role.
As an aside, I saw the Chinese ballet perform an adaption of this story in 2005 or 2006. It was one of the most incredible productions I've ever seen. One scene represented the concubine's rape as she is being chased behind an backlit screen and then falling with yards and yards of bright red silk flowing from her as she laid dramatically on the stage. Another memorable scene is where she and/or her lover are beaten to death. The dancers take padded bats and beat a large screen with red paint which appears after awhile to be drenched in blood. This was a dance albeit a theatrical dance. However, it's not traditional Western ballet but it's not Chinese acrobatics either. I can't describe it. I've always wanted to see the ballet perform again, but I read years ago, that they would not be allowed to perform outside of China. It's been many years since I checked so in preparation of writing this response, I once again looked for information and it appears the website for the National Ballet of China no longer exists and hasn't since 2006
I highly recommend if anyone ever has a chance to see this amazing troupe, to please do so. But again, don't go expecting traditional ballet or Chinese acrobats; yet, you will be truly touched.
Hi Nancy, thank you for sharing this story. I find it interesting the symbolism used in the movie and how it reflected Chinese culture. I like the idea of giving students a new perspective or a perspective in general about the status of women and concubines in Chinese history. I think it would challenge many of the students' thoughts and beliefs. I also, like how you incorporated it with art and students being able to create lanterns. I am definitely interested in watching the movie, however, what do you think about the students? Is it appropriate for high school students? Will it be difficult to understand? Is this something that you think a teacher would need to get approval first? Or do you believe it's a film that you can have the students watch on their own and just tie in with other material? Thanks again.
I don't know if I would have to get approval from admin to show this movie but it does deal with strong issues. For example, the fact that there are concubines that are sleeping with one husband every night may seem risky but that is not the focus of the movie nor do they show anything. Also, unlike the play mentioned below no one gets raped nor do they beat anyone to death. The movie focuses on the power and incentives the women get before and after they sleep with the husband. For its times, that seems really accurate. Also their entire lives revolve around their husband and the cameras never move beyond their room, courtyard and dinning table which is what they would have lived at that time. I guess before this movie is shown, I would have to prep the students by reading what life was like for women in those times. It is very easy to understand, but it does leave you with a lot of questions towards the end. Maybe that is what I like about this movie. It may bring more awareness to how lanterns where used in history rather then how they are used today. Also how far have women's rights progressed now. I can see this being a hot issues in the classroom so maybe getting admin approval would be wise. Good movie to watch for those of you who would like to leave a review.
I think based on your clarification I would get parent and admin approval with an explanation of it's purpose. I think I can definitely tie this into a lesson that looks at gender roles from different places around that time period. I'm thinking I can write a lesson analyzing the roles had in different parts of the world and look at it through a historical perspective, social justice perspective and cultural perspective. I think that this would be a great issue for our school to learn about this and how it's connected or disconnected from the rest of the world. I'm still intrigued on how I could add an artistic/hands on component, but I really want to bring in this to my curriculum.
Thank you for this film reference as I am interested in its content. I will definitely have to watch the movie and research a little before knowing if I feel it is appropriate or not appropriate for the classroom. I teach older kids so I don't foresee a problem with it. I think this is a topic that many would be interested in. Thank you