Contributor
Zhang, Yimou.
Imprint:China : Distributed by Miramax Video, 1991.
Description1 videodisc ( 125 min.) : ; 4 3/4 in.
Note:Screenplay by Ni Zhen.
Note:Based on the novel Wives and Concubines by Su Tong.
Note:The difference between Songlian (Gong Li), the fourth wife of a rich landowner, and the other three spouses, is that she is educated, and has been married (by her mother) against her will. Now, her whole world is reduced to one small compound, and the only people she sees are her husband, his family, and their servants. She is given a maid (Kong Lin) with whom she doesn't get along, and finds her new home to be a cheerless place, despite all the bright colors that adorn the inside walls. It's the master's tradition to light lanterns outside the house of the wife he intends to join for the night. Since Songlian is new to the compound, it is expected that he will spend much of his time with her. However, on their first night together, the master is called away to soothe his pampered third wife (He Caifei), who complains of an ailment. From then on, Songlian realizes that she'll have to resort to deceit and manipulation to retain her husband's interest. And, while she doesn't necessarily appreciate his attentions, she realizes that her status in the household is directly proportional to how highly she is favored. Within days of her arrival, Songlian's relationships with her "sisters" are established. The first wife (Jin Shuyuan), an aging woman with a grown son, does her best to ignore Songlian's presence. She is tolerant -- no more, no less. The third concubine, a beautiful ex-opera singer, is fiercely jealous of Songlian, worried that the master will find his new, educated bride more enticing. However, the second concubine (Cao Cuifen) offers friendship and kindness to the newest member of the family -- or so it initially seems.
Note : PerformerGong Li, Cao Cuifen, He Caifei, Jin Shuyuan, Kong Lin, Ma Jingwu, Zhao Qi.
Location Note : REQUEST AT THE CHECK-OUT DESK.
