Red Lanterns Light Up Hastings

The story of Raise The Red Lantern revolves around Songlian, a 19-year-old woman who is forced to abandon her studies and marry into wealth, becoming the fourth concubine of the aging Master Chen. This film, directed by Yimou Zhang, stars Li Gong, Saifei He, Jingwu Ma, and Cuifen Cao, and explores the themes of isolation, humiliation, and the desperate measures people take to secure their place in a hierarchical society.

The film is a subtitled foreign language production, with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes, and has been certified 12A. The plot follows Songlian as she navigates the complexities of her new household, where red lanterns are lit outside the chambers of the wife the master chooses to, granting her privilege and status. As Songlian becomes embroiled in the petty cruelties and rivalries of the household, she must confront the cost of her actions to her own soul.

The ODEON Hastings will show Raise The Red Lantern on Friday, 6 November 2026, in Hastings. Tickets are with the button beside the article. This screening offers a unique opportunity to experience a film that explores the intricate dynamics of a wealthy Chinese household, and the ways in which women are forced to compete for attention and status.

The film's exploration of themes such as isolation, humiliation, and desperation is likely to resonate with audiences, and its subtitled foreign language format will provide a unique cinematic experience. With its talented cast and thought-provoking plot, Raise The Red Lantern is a film that will leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.