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Set in war-time China, the story centres around a group of six Hong Kong University students who take it upon themselves one to infiltrate the house of leading government official Mr. Yee (played by Tony Leung) and assassinate him. Wong Chia Chi (played by Tang Wei) assumes the role of Mrs. Mak, wife of an absent trader in ‘import-export’. She quickly befriends Mrs. Yee, as they are new to Hong Kong. She then seduces the government man, but as lust turns to love she dies in an effort to spare his life.
The first half of the film, whilst intriguing, isn’t all that sexy. About an hour in, I was wondering where all the sex was. But then it came (pardon the pun), in bucketloads. Mr. Yee, some kind of weird sadist, takes pleasure in abusing Wong every time they make love – if you can call it that. Wong’s body ceases to be hers, and becomes a signifier of political power. Sex takes on a whole new meaning.
I can’t see how the sex scenes could have been staged, and they’re shot beautifully – in all their sweaty, hairy glory. I wouldn’t say they were particularly erotic either – unless you’re into pain. Definitely one for the girls, but not suited to a light-hearted evening of fun, or a trip out with your parents.
Tang Wei nominated for BAFTA's 'Rising Star' category I believe. I think the film raises the question that when war and death twist the rights of wrong and right, what is love? It could be said that Yee shows Wong more love in his own twisted way then any of the actual resistance fighters ever did.
Yeah, but is it showing anywhere in York?
Yup, City Screen. YSC's doing it later this term as well
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