Synopsis
In 1920s China, 19-year-old Songlian becomes a concubine of a powerful lord and is forced to compete with his three wives for the privileges gained.
Key facts
Cast
Gong Li, He Saifei, Cao Cuifen, Kong Lin, Jin Shuyuan, Ma Jingwu, Cui Zhigang, Zhao Qi
Original language
Mandarin
First release
December 18, 1991 (Italy)
Based on
Raise the Red Lantern
Awards
Hundred Flowers Award for Best Picture, BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language
Setting
China
Filming locations
People's Republic of China
Crew
Screenplay
Ni Zhen
Producer
Yau Fook-Sang
Cinematography
Lun Yang, Zhao Fei
Editing
Du Yuan
Music
Naoki Tachikawa, Zhao Jiping
Trailer
Stills
Reviews
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Festival History
- Los Angeles Film Awards 2025
- Udine Far East Film Festival 2024 - Out Of Competition
- Academy Awards 1992 academy_award
- International Film Festival Rotterdam 1992 generic
- National Board of Review 1992 generic
- Venice Film Festival 1991 generic
Soundtracks
| CD | Raise The Red Lantern (Original Soundtrack Album) - Zhao Jiping (1994) | 4 releases, 1994: Milan, Milan East |
Releases & classifications
| Theatrical | Italy | December 18, 1991 |
| Theatrical | France | December 20, 1991 |
| Theatrical | South Korea | January 1, 1992 |
| Theatrical | United Kingdom | January 13, 1992 |
| Theatrical | Belgium | February 13, 1992 |
| Theatrical | Spain | February 14, 1992 |
| Theatrical | Netherlands | February 14, 1992 |
| Theatrical | Portugal | January 22, 1993 |
| Theatrical | Czech Republic | March 5, 1999 |
| Streaming | Germany | August 19, 2013 |
| Theatrical | Poland | May 22, 2026 |
| Theatrical | United Kingdom | November 2, 2026 |
| Theatrical | United States | November 6, 2026 |
| Classification | Germany | 12 |
| Classification | United Kingdom | PG |
Versions & editions
| Home video | Brazil | January 1, 2000 |
| Home video | China | October 27, 2026 |
Full credits
| Director | Zhang Yimou |
| Cast | Gong Li (Songlian), He Saifei (Meishan), Cao Cuifen (Zhuoyun), Kong Lin (Yan'er), Jin Shuyuan (Yuru), Ma Jingwu (Chen Zuoqian), Cui Zhigang (Doctor Gao), Zhao Qi (Housekeeper), Chu Xiao (Feipu), Cao Zengyin (Old Servant), Ding Weimin (Songlian's Mother) |
| Screenplay | Ni Zhen |
| Producer | Yau Fook-Sang |
| Executive producer | Hou Hsiao-hsien, Wenze Zhang |
| Cinematography | Lun Yang, Zhao Fei |
| Editing | Du Yuan |
| Music | Naoki Tachikawa, Zhao Jiping |
| Sound | Lanhua Li |
| Costumes | Tong Huamiao |
Additional data: TMDB.
