Womens role in Chinese film - Movie Review Example

One such film is Ju Dou, which was originally produced in 1990 (Zeng 75). The film features typical Chinese culture and elements especially the ancient ones. While the film has multiple themes, one of the most evident themes is the role of women. The main character, Ju Dou, is a typical Chinese woman who brings out the roles that Chinese women played in the 1920s, which is time setting of the film (Singh 4). Apparently, Ju Dou plays multiple roles including being a wife, a mother, an aunt, and a widower.

However, her character in the film reveals the underlying roles of women including positive and negative ones. One of the main roles of women in Ju Dou is being wives. As the film begins, Ju Dou is made wife to an old man, Tianqing’s uncle. Before her marriage, the old uncle had two other wives who had already died. This shows that women are presented as wives. The fact that the old uncle would marry each time the wife died emphasizes the role of the woman as the wife. However, it is important to note that the role of the woman as a wife as depicted in the film is quite diverse.

First, the woman plays the role of giving birth. The old uncle makes it clear in the film that he bought Ju Dou purposely for her to give him a son. His previous wives had died without giving him a son. So, he was desperate to get another wife who would give him the son. This role of the woman as child bearer is also evident when people make fun of Tianqing to get a woman who would bear him a son during the celebration party of Ju Dou’s newborn son. When Ju Dou finally bears a son, she becomes a darling of many.

The old uncle is so excited that he starts treating her well and even organizes a celebration for her. Second, women play the role of sex objects for men’s pleasure. Tianqing’s uncle actually makes it clear to Ju Dou that he bought her and therefore he has all the