3-D Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy – Review

Wow, guess what just beat Avatar at the Hong Kong box office? Yup, a 3D erotic film. The first of it’s kind, no less. And, get this…Sex And Zen is a very funny movie! The film plays out as an adult parody of sorts as it follows Tie Yuxiang, who is not only handsome, but also courteous under the influence of her father, Tie Fei the Taoist priest.  Tie Fei arranges a blind date for Yuxiang and a rich young man Lin, during which Yuxiang coincidentally falls in love with his friend, Wei Yangsheng, with whom she later married. Married life is pleasing, apart from Yuxiang’s lack of passion due to her inexperience in bed, which leads to their less than satisfied sex life.

3D Sex And Zen: Extreme Ecstasy executive producer Stephen Shiu Jr. said Singapore’s intended 28 April release is a heavily self-censored version with more than 18 minutes of the completed film cut, according to The Hollywood Reporter at Hong Kong International Film & TV Market earlier last week. So, this is definitiely a film that is generating controversy. As an erotic movie, it does it’s job and sadly, since I don’t live in Hong Kong I can’t go to a 3D theater to watch this. However, as a drama, it has paper-thin and inconsistent characters. That the main character and his wife suddenly miss each other is totally without substance. As a result, it fails to touch some members of the audience and the delivery of the message becomes very weak. Hopefully, the 3D was a lot better than that aspect.

Perhaps those elements are just means to an end? Still, I want to focus on that because this website is not in the business of reviewing porn. This film is slightly different, mind you. And a film has to go in a direction, and a sex film especially, once the thrill of seeing the actors and actresses naked has waned somewhat.  Anyone who wants to see a film entitled 3-D Sex and Zen shouldn’t be looking for anything more than mild titillation. We’re just really nice people here at JapanCinema that like to tell you the plot and script are terrible! No need to thank us.

Of course, the general theme of the film is that lust can corrupt you. Her Virginity becomes a bid in town, and the Prince of Ning, the highest bidder, takes her home as another collection of rarities. Ruizhu lives a life of wild orgies at the Tower of Rarities, as one of the favorites of Ning, no other men has ever laid a hand on her. However, as an avenge on Wei Yangsheng, The Prince of Ning allows him to have sex with Ruizhu. Ruizhu later induces Budai monk under the order of Ning, which not only ruins the practice of Budai, but also causes his death. A very powerful message in an otherwise thin plotted film. This film is making waves overseas and everyone can’t seem to stop talking about it, so at the very least, it is accomplishing a good buzz. Should you see it? Well, that all depends on your comfort level and if you were a fan of Sex & Chopsticks. If so, then this film will be right up your alley.