e. the marriage. Her solitude also comes out towards the end of the movie, where she begins to lose her mind. Again, we constantly see her alone, as if she is delusional about her surroundings, giving up trying to understand the meaningless lives of all under "masters" rule. Her interactions with the other mistresses of the household are indeed very complicated. The director portrays the absurdity of the household through these relationships. For instance, first impressions are always thought to be the right and honest ones, though the film takes away all meaning to it as the plot develops. Her first impressions are misleading, in particular the impression of second mistress. Second mistress, Zhaiyun, comes forward as the friendly one, and the director deliberately contrasts her behaviour with the other two mistresses who seem colder, especially third mistress, Meeshan. However, as the plot develops, so do the real personalities. When Songlian finds out the truth that Zhaiyun is plotting against her, i.e. the discovery of the cursed voodoo doll, and that Meeshan in actual fact is probably the only one she is safe with, the audience also finds out how absurd and unstable the household is - where things you believe in are in actual fact misconceptions of the truth. The significance of the red lanterns is stressed throughout the film, as they are indeed the leading element of the plotline. The director is constantly focusing on them and there importance both physically with the camera, and also through the characters reactions and feelings towards them. The basic rule or concept of them is that if the red lanterns are lit at a mistress's quarters then the master will be spending the night with them. The point comes out that if a mistress has the lanterns lit, then she has a kind of control and has greater respect from the servants of the house. For instance being able to choose meals, and having a foot massage.
1-INTRODUCTION China's artistic and cultural achievements over the past 3,000 years are the basis of great pride for the Chinese people. The rulers of China's dynasties emphasized their role as protectors of the country's cultural tradition, supporting visual artists and writers and creating ela...