Da Hong Deng Long Gao Gao Gua (aka Raise The Red Lantern) (1991)

Set in 1920s China, a 19 year old girl (Gong Li) agrees to be the fourth wife of a wealthy nobleman (Ma Jingwu). But it isn't long before she finds herself engaging in petty behavior as the wives "compete" for their master's favor. Based on the novel WIVES AND CONCUBINES by Su Tong and directed by Zhang Yimou. This is a breathtaking film, both in its visual beauty (lensing credited to Zhao Fei and Yang Lun) and its powerful narrative. The film looks at a patriarchal culture where women have no options and the four wives, ironically referring to each other as "sister", are ensnared in a system that forces them to play against each other. The fourth wife finds herself trapped in a situation that turns her into a self destructive demon that causes tragedy to others and eventually turns on her into madness. One of the most critically acclaimed films of the 1990s, it remains both fascinating and haunting. With He Saifei, very good as the third wife, Caro Cuifen, Jin Shuyuan and Kong Lin.