The film has been studied by many, and the finely polished details and shots have stood the test of time. Many people have paid attention to the symbols and metaphors behind hanging lanterns, kicking feet, roof huts, etc. However I want to say something different.
The most shocking thing about this story is that the expressions of all the people are indifferent and cold, as if the death of one or two servants and aunt has nothing to do with them. The most humane and compassionate in the whole film is only The old mother who served Songlian. Song Lian, a newcomer, and the third concubine, a former actress, once showed a little bit of humanity, and then they all brutally forced themselves to change to "fit into society". I originally thought that there would be a little bit of a story between Song Lian and the eldest young master, but no, fortunately not, otherwise the hut on the roof would be Song Lian's home.
Isn't this Chen Mansion, with its bright appearance, a huge metaphor for Chinese society? Everything went on in an orderly manner, closely matched, hierarchical, highly competitive (the fourth aunt is too crazy, the fifth aunt is too top), but it lacks warmth and humanity. Those in authority enjoy it freely (the privilege of lighting a lamp), and those in the chain of interests execute it mechanically (lighting the lantern, extinguishing the lantern). Only those at the bottom can pity each other, but only pity. Thinking of this, I shudder.
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