By Mark Pollard | Published January 30, 2009

Here’s some eye-popping news. SEX AND ZEN (1991), the classic Category III sexploitation film that turned actress Amy Yip into an instant sex icon is being remade in 3-D to lure patrons back into Hong Kong theaters.

The craziest part is that Stephen Shiu Jr., chairman of One Dollar Production (there’s a joke in the making), has said that he will use special effects to make the love scenes as realistic as possible! I’m not quite sure how special effects would achieve more realistic results than what hundreds of pornographers over the years have managed with miniscule budgets but something tells me this statement has something to do with the 3-D technology, which quite frankly scares me.

The film, as well as the 1991 predecessor, is loosely based on a 17th-century Chinese erotic classic called THE CARNAL PRAYER MAT, written by Li Yu. Although the original tale is filled with acts of debauchery centering on a scholar who sets out to enlarge his penis before seeking out and seducing the most beautiful women he can, it is also filled with witty satire and a karmic moral lesson for those who choose a life of carnal pleasure.

Director Michael Mak’s 1991 film drew visual inspiration from popular wire-fu movies of the era by incorporating some of the same highly exaggerated physical choreography, dynamic camera work and period production design that appeared in films like A CHINESE GHOST STORY and SWORDSMAN 2. “Action” direction was overseen by Tony Leung Siu-hung who most recently worked under Sammo Hung on IP MAN. It should also be noted that kung fu movie veteran Lo Lieh (EXECUTIONERS FROM SHAOLIN) had a supporting role in the original.

Shiu says that 25 to 30 percent of the remake will be made up of love scenes, including “many close-ups.” The source article goes on to cite the producer as saying that actresses would appear only a few centimeters from viewers, who would need 3-D glasses to enjoy the full effect. Yikes.

Don’t expect to see your favorite Hong Kong starlet to appear in the production. Shiu is looking outside of Hong Kong to find actresses to fill the lead roles, specifically porn stars from Japan and Taiwan.

Hong Kong has a long tradition of drawing a well-defined line between its actresses and its sex stars and has rarely used local talent for compromising roles. Although from Taiwan, Shu Qi has become one of few exceptions. She started out as a softcore porn star in Taiwan and went on to become a reputable Golden Horse and Hong Kong Film Award-winning A-list actress in both territories. Incidentally, she made her Hong Kong acting debut in the even more outrageous SEX AND ZEN 2 (1996).

The producer admits that finding a male lead willing to undress has been more difficult. “It’s a lot more difficult to find an actor than an actress for this kind of movie.”

I wouldn’t be surprised if original SEX AND ZEN star and veteran Category III actor Elvis Tsui made an appearance, although at age 48 I doubt he would be cast in the lead.

Shooting is expected to begin in April with a release set for Christmas.

There is no word on if this film will share the same ludicrous, action-oriented sexual choreography of the original, nor what technology will be used to produce the 3-D effects.

In one form or another, 3-D technology applied to filmmaking has been around since the 1920s and has enjoyed only brief, periodic revivals since. In the last two years, advancements in digital filmmaking have led to a new revival with the most recent example being a 3-D remake of the Hollywood horror classic MY BLOODY VALENTINE.

Source: Yahoo News Singapore via Twitch Film

Related Topics:
exploitation  •  upcoming