Zhang Yimou was invited by the Central Ballet to intervene in the creation of the dance drama, which was once a media sensation. But the ballet "big red lantern" premiere effect, but makes people from expectation to disappointment straight down, public opinion almost one-sidedly issued harsh criticism. The reason is that it is not like a common dance drama, but more like a strange and unorthodox.
Objectively speaking, the world-famous director Zhang Yimou is good at mobilizing a variety of artistic means for comprehensive treatment, so the stage atmosphere of "Big Red Lanterns Hanging Tall" is very unusual due to some "new tricks". For example, the "sedan chair" in the prologue is made up of four panels used by the servants to squeeze the female protagonist and eventually lock her inside, which is both concise and meaningful. In the first act, the duo dances with the effect of light and shadow theater, and then both sides break through the paper screen several times to escape and chase, which are not often seen on the stage of previous dance dramas. An example of the successful use of sets and props is the use of a piece of red silk to cover the rape of the Third Mistress by the Master. The final "battle death" is particularly clever, a snow-white shadow wall stands at the back of the stage, which is beaten by the servants, presenting a bloody piece; and the three main characters who are flogged are dancing and tumbling on the stage plate. Such a simple, realistic, yet strong and shocking treatment, is a masterpiece of stage art.