Sex and Zen (1991)

When this movie first came out, I never expected it to be the classic that it has become. It's really a somewhat unlikely, and silly story about a man who doesn't know a good thing when he gets one, and ruins his life. Hong Kong actress Amy Yip who was known for her nice figure was the attraction for seeing this movie.The other attraction that was somewhat unexpected was the scene between Rena Murakami, and Isabella Chow. Rena was starring in both Japan, and Hong Kong in the early '90s, and was a much sought out talent. If you see this scene, you can see why.This movie received lot of endorsement from Hong Kong Penthouse magazine when it first came out, and probably this publicity helped in making it the commercial success that it was.It's a lavish production for a Cat III movie, and is made very well. The success of this movie seemed to benefit future up coming stars that has appeared in part 2, and 3 of this movie, like Siu Qi. So it had rather wide reaching effect as well.Not an artistic movie, but good entertainment from the '90s Hong Kong.

This is a Category Three film from Hong Kong, and it is explicit in its nudity, carnal desires and all around perversion. What sets it apart from similar films is the production values. The cinematography is very good, the movie is vividly colorful. The film has a general good rhythm to it. It is unabashedly erotic, both with the male and female characters. At the time, this film had to be a revelation, but it still holds up today as a sexually charged drama/comedy. The rating I gave can be anything, meaning it all depends on what you're looking for in this genre. Suffice to say, everyone looks great (especially the beautiful Amy Yip) and the film was a deserved success when it was released. If you're adventurous, check it out.

While I have a great fondness for this awful gem, I just don't buy that bit. Two women? In that position? With a flute? There's just no way.The first thing that sold me on this movie was the flying medieval thief guy. Everyone knows that any film is made intrinsically better by the inclusion of an amusing flying thief. ;) The amusing preparation of the young scholar's wife for her first sexual experience was the second. Especially, the look on Our Hero's face as he attempts to deal with it!This movie is very silly and surprisingly strenuous in sections; two memorable scenes include a rampant, gymnastic almost-rape among bolts of hanging silk, and an incredible cardiac workout underwater.If you like silly martial arts movies and sex, you will probably enjoy Sex and Zen. It is softcore, so you don't really see anything more than breasts or the odd bum. The subtitles are unfortunately a little hard to read, but the entertaining action speaks for itself.

Keep in mind: this isn't some second rate snuff film. Sex and Zen has a story, has good acting, great costumes and setting. And also, sex.The scholar in the film tries to fulfill his sexual appetites. Lucky guy, right? However, as the story progresses, I kind of felt sympathy for him. There is humor in this one which keeps the film lively. I winced during the operation scene with a funny cameo by Kent Cheng. The thief who helps the scholar adds some comedy as well.Amy Yip really stands in this one. She is unbelievably sexy and her character is played nicely. The other beautiful ladies Isabella Chow and Carrie Ng also light up the screen. The sex scenes aren't too explicit, but there are some parts where you'd watch in disbelief. The whole scene in the end, S&M, "musical appreciation"...original concepts you'd probably only find in Hong Kong cinema.Overall, the film doesn't take itself too seriously. It's erotic, funny, and there's a moral to be learned! Watch it for my hon Amy!!