Watch Sex and Zen II

Sex and Zen II is a 1996 Hong Kong erotic film directed by Chin Man-Kei, serving as a sequel to Michael Mak's 1991 film Sex and Zen. This entry in the series is not directly related to its predecessor in terms of plot, but it continues the tradition of blending erotic content with period drama and morally charged storytelling. The film is loosely based on the classic Chinese erotic novel, "The Carnal Prayer Mat," and often incorporates elements of mysticism, martial arts, and slapstick humor.

Set in the Ming Dynasty, Sex and Zen II stars Loletta Lee as Sai Moon-Kin, a young maiden who has been brought up as a boy by her father to protect her from a prophecy foretelling her fate as a stumbling block to men's virtue. In a twist of destiny, her true gender is revealed, igniting a series of erotic misadventures.

Shu Qi plays the role of the heroine's sister named Tu, whose beauty and sensuality are significant to the unfolding of the story. Tu is a key figure who not only adds complexity to the plot but also becomes central to the narrative's erotic explorations and the thematic study of desire and its consequences. This film was one of the early works that marked Shu Qi's ascension to stardom, showcasing her talent and appeal before becoming a well-known name in the Asian film industry.

Elvis Tsui is cast as the lecherous Scholar Cui, who becomes entwined with the sisters and adds to the complications that are both comedic and dramatic. His character's pursuit of sensual pleasures encapsulates the movie's exploration of hedonism and the sometimes dark twists such pursuits can lead to. As a seasoned actor in the genre of Category III films (the Hong Kong equivalent of a mature rating), Tsui's performance contributed significantly to the over-the-top and risqué elements of the film.

The narrative of Sex and Zen II is marked by the interplay between innocence and worldliness, virtue and vice. It shows how the characters, propelled by their desires, navigate a world filled with both spiritual quests and carnal exploits. The movie paints a vivid picture of the societal norms and sexual attitudes of its historical setting, albeit in an exaggerated, fantastical manner.

In the tradition of erotic costume dramas from Hong Kong, Sex and Zen II does not hold back in its explicit portrayals of sexual activities. Notably, the film also incorporates supernatural elements, distinguishing it from other movies of its kind. Characters encounter beings with otherworldly powers, leading to bizarre and supernatural sex scenes that merge fantasy with eroticism.

Stylistically, Sex and Zen II rides on the aesthetics of the early '90s Hong Kong cinema, employing lavish costumes, set pieces representative of ancient China, and theatrical acting to evoke the atmosphere of the time. It also includes the physical comedy and exaggerated facial expressions characteristic of Hong Kong's mainstream movies, creating a distinct tone that is simultaneously humorous and titillating.

The mise-en-scène is filled with colorful and opulent visuals, creating a dreamlike quality that blurs the line between reality and illusion. This, coupled with the film's erotic content, serves to engage the viewer in a sensory experience that is as visual as it is visceral.

Despite its explicit sexual content, Sex and Zen II also attempts to deliver moral lessons, consistent with the traditions of the source material from which it was adapted. Among the themes it delves into are the dangers of excess, the illusion of appearances, and the ultimate emptiness of hedonistic pursuits. Yet, these lessons are handled with a light touch, woven into the fabric of the narrative rather than overtly preached.

The film's action sequences are modest compared to the high-octane martial arts movies of the time. However, these scenes are crafted with enough flair to satisfy fans of the genre, albeit in a context that mixes combat with eroticism. The choreography of both martial and sexual encounters highlights the movie's focus on the physicality of its characters, emphasizing the connection between body and spirit that is a recurring motif in the story.

Sex and Zen II achieved notoriety and a certain degree of cult popularity, particularly among aficionados of Hong Kong's Category III cinema. The film is emblematic of a time when the city's film industry was known for pushing boundaries, exploring adult themes with equal parts audacity and tongue-in-cheek humor.

In conclusion, Sex and Zen II is a mixture of eroticism, humor, and light philosophical musings, packaged in the vibrant and bold style of '90s Hong Kong cinema. For viewers interested in the genre, it offers a distinctive glimpse into the era's filmmaking trends and social attitudes towards sexuality, wrapped in an entertaining, if morally ambiguous, tale of desire.

Sex and Zen II is a 1996 drama. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.