---
title: "Raise the Red Lantern"
year: 1991
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/raise-the-red-lantern-1991"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 10404
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 125
community_rating: 7.9
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Raise the Red Lantern (1991) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/raise-the-red-lantern-1991

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Raise the Red Lantern is a film first released in 1991. Catalogued under Drama. Produced and broadcast by ERA International, China Film Co-Production, Century Communications. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A young woman enters a lord's household and must outwit rival wives."

### Why Watch
- Set in 1920s China
- Explores rivalry among the lord's wives
- Focuses on a concubine's experience

### Caveats & Content Note
- Runtime exceeds two hours
- Themes are mature
- Tone & Suitability: Contains mature themes of rivalry and oppression, suitable for adult audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: period, drama, intense

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/raise-the-red-lantern-1991#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Zhang Yimou
- **Networks / Studios**: ERA International, China Film Co-Production, Century Communications

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Gong Li** as *Songlian*
- **He Saifei** as *Meishan*
- **Cao Cuifen** as *Zhuoyun*
- **Kong Lin** as *Yan'er*
- **Zhao Qi** as *Housekeeper*
- **Jin Shuyuan** as *Yuru*
- **Ma Jingwu** as *Chen Zuoqian*
- **Cui Zhigang** as *Doctor Gao*
- **Chu Xiao** as *Feipu*
- **Cao Zengyin** as *Old Servant*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the setting of the film?
The story takes place in China during the 1920s.

### Q: Who is the main character?
The protagonist is Songlian, a 19‑year‑old woman who becomes a concubine.

### Q: What central conflict does the film portray?
Songlian must compete with the lord’s three wives for privileges.

### Q: How long is the film?
The runtime is approximately two hours and five minutes.

### Q: What genre does the film belong to?
It is classified as a drama.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Raise the Red Lantern — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/10404)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*