Power and corruption were represented literally and symbolically throughout both "Raise the Red Lantern" and "Farewell My Concubine". The illusion and reality of power and the effect it had on individual characters mirrored the political upheaval and changes occurring in China as various parties and ideals swapped power. Although the portrayal and representation of power differ in both films, the core messages behind its use parallel one another.
Power in both films is linked to basic human desire, need, and expectation. In "Farewell My Concubine", the basic needs of the people are deprived making them vulnerable to accepting and following whichever power promised provision. With the takeover of the communist party, the lives of individuals become endangered and that ultimately changes the way they behave and interact through the guise of desperation.
In "Raise the Red Lantern", power is more illusion than reality in the lives of the concubines. All of the wives play into the masters games and traditions in order to gain his favor and the petty prizes that accompany them. Although Songlian can acknowledge the illusionary nature of the power she is given, her desire for value, control, and favor even within a system of corruption ultimately cause her to play by the rules of the master. She becomes so entranced by the illusion that she goes to great lengths to secure the master's favor to the point of feigning pregnancy. The second and third mistress go to great lengths for power as well. The third mistress pretends to be ill in order to convince the master to spend more time with her and the second mistress manipulatively attempts to sabotage the other wives.
Power is never maintained in either film. Whoever is on top must constantly fight to stay there and despite their efforts can never remain. This is seen on a large scale in "Farewell My Concubine". Power moves from the Japanese troops to the Nationalists to the Communists. Pledging allegiance to the group in power was never safe because they could be persecuted for doing so if another group took power.The following scene depicts Xiaulou's interrogation at the hands of the communists. You can clearly see the desperation in his eyes as he tries to protect himself and say what he thinks the communists want to hear. He is quick to try to deflect blame elsewhere and obediently smashes his head with a brick at their command, clearly intimidated and imprisoned by their power.
In "Raise the Red Lantern", individuals represent similar changes in power and structure. The struggle for control and favor is an illusion between the three concubines. Each takes a turn at the top and none of them stay there for any length of time. Even the master to some degree is a victim of his own desires. The ultimate faceless figure of power, he is still controlled by his wants and acts accordingly. The wives hold some (albeit very little) power over him as well. At the end of the film a fourth concubine is introduced, implying that this power will always be threatened by age and time and can never be possessed permanently or securely.
Power leads to betrayal of both a moral self and of others. Friends, wives, and families are betrayed and denounced in the name of survival There are instances of personal betrayal throughout "Farewell My Concubine". Dieyi's decision to sing for the Japanese is the betrayal of personal values under threat of a greater loss. Xiaulou and Juxien must burn all contraband under the communist regime, symbolizing the destruction of their lifestyle and heightening the uncertainty they were experiencing. Under duress, Xiaulou betrays and denounces Dieyi and Juxien, ultimately leading to Juxien's suicide.
In "Raise the Red Lantern", the desire for power and escape breed betrayal and ultimately death, separating the characters in competition despite their similar needs. Songlian exercises what little power she has over her maid Yan'er both physically and emotionally. As she suffers at the hands of others, she in turn treats Yan'er cruelly. When she exposes her for hiding the lanterns in her room, she is not only exposing her physical actions but ridiculing her desire to become a mistress. Her cruelty ultimately leaves to Yan'er's death. Meishan's death is also linked to power and betrayal. The second mistress is eager to expose her infidelity despite her knowledge of the harsh consequences. It was ultimately more important for her to reduce competition.
