HONG KONG — "Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy," a Cantonese language film that opens in Hong Kong and and Taiwan next week, has created a buzz in China and beyond due to its 3D technology and graphic sex.
According to published reports, the plot of the fantasy-style film revolves around the Ming dynasty of ancient China and is based on the classic Chinese erotic text, The Carnal Prayer Mat.
The story follows a young man as he befriends a duke and enters a world of royal orgies and other sexual peccadilloes. The film is a reworking of "Sex and Zen," a 1991 Chinese movie.
Writer/producer Stephen Shiu told local media the film's graphic sex scenes will make it unlikely to be screened uncut in mainland China. According to reports, there are tour groups planning trips to Hong Kong and Taiwan to see it.
Last year during the shoot for "Sex and Zen," Shiu told Reuters, "It's because it's forbidden in China, (that there) is so much enthusiasm in China for this film."
"Sex and Zen" is directed by Christopher Sun.
