ANSWER ONE QUESTION OF YOUR CHOICE
Essay – 2,250-2,750 words
QUESTION 1)
Define and illustrate the concept of World Cinema with reference to Raise the Red
Lantern
Materials
World Cinema since the 1990s
Raise the Red Lantern (Zhang Yimou, 1991)
Film Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMwHE8Po-oc&t=239s


Questions to keep into consideration
What problems exist with regard to defining World Cinema?
How is it distinct from Third Cinema?
What are First and Second World Cinema?

Screening Questions:
How is Raise the Red Lantern an example of cinema ‘that “others” the other’ (Elsaesser 2005: 509); in
what ways could it be seen as playing to a transnational, western audience?

Why do you think it was more acclaimed and successful in Europe and the West than at home in China?
The film was released just two years after the Tiananmen Square massacre, and some critics have seen it
as a criticism of the government – though director Zhang Yimou denies this. Do you see any evidence to
support or disprove this reading?

What is the significance, if any, of the representation of differences in class and status in the film?
Zhang Yimou’s use of colour was much praised upon the film’s release; why do you think this is?


    Customer Area

    Make your order right away

    Confidentiality and privacy guaranteed

    satisfaction guaranteed