Yimou Zhang Films Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Yimou Zhang Films - Essay Example The new generation, which Yimou Zhang currently works in, has upheld the color symbols of the old generation and even introduced some new ones as well. The color red is the most outstanding and is symbolic of revolution: little red books, red flags, red guards and not forgetting the red sun, which is symbolic of Chairman Mao. It is along this culture that Yimou Zhang also uses the color red as symbolic. Literature review on the subject reveals contradictory and far ranging interpretations to Yimou Zhang’s red. There are those that construe the red setting identified at the end of Red Sorghum to the red spot in the Japanese national flag. There are those who interpret red lanterns seen in Raise the Red Lantern symbolic of the sexual control of the patriarchal despot. Moreover, the setting sun may also serve to elegize the demised heroine and the red lanterns may also symbolize the accomplishment of the concubine’s desire. The red color as used by Yimou Zhang, similar to other symbols employed by the director, transcends narrow interpretation since it emanates from and also acts as rebellion against tradition. The color red now takes up a myriad of symbols and not merely as a symbol of celebration in traditional china; or the symbol of revolution according to modern china, or a symbol of malice. The color red can also be symbolic of mood. This is according to Yimou Zhang who stated that the Chinese people are often too reserved and too moderate†¦ the limitless fields of red sorghum elicit sensory excitement and encourage an unrestrained lust and zest for life. Another common theme that can be evidenced in films directed by Chinese film director Yimou Zhang is politics. The color red by Zhang contains to a significant extent contains political messages and inferences. Being brought up in the era of Chairman Mao, the Chinese Communist revolutionary and the founding father of the Peoples Republic of China, Zhang