Before Michael Mak’s Sex And Zen rose to cult classic status in the 1990s, the film Yu Pui Tsuen (The Carnal Prayer Mat, 1987) directed by Ho Fan had already made waves with its bold storytelling. Unlike its later, more flamboyant successors, Yu Pui Tsuen featured a cast of relatively unknown actors and eschewed the use of overtly provocative elements like Amy Yip's iconic presence, coarse humor, or lesbian love affairs. Instead, it relied heavily on nudity and explicit sexual content to convey its themes, setting a precedent for erotic cinema in its era.
The story revolves around a young man who experiences a haunting dream in which he drowns following a night filled with carnal indulgence. Seeking deeper meaning, he consults a Buddhist monk who interprets the dream as a cautionary message against the reckless pursuit of sensual pleasures. Despite this warning, the man chooses to ignore the advice, marries a virgin, and immerses himself in a whirlwind of passionate encounters, oblivious to the potential consequences of his actions.
As the narrative unfolds, his numerous torrid affairs lead him down a path of self-discovery and realization. Ultimately, the protagonist begins to grasp the wisdom embedded in the monk's counsel, understanding the perils of excess and the importance of balance. Yu Pui Tsuen offers a contemplative exploration of desire, temptation, and the human tendency to disregard warnings until faced with the repercussions.
Crew of Yu Pui Tsuen II
Full backstage crew list →- Released October 15, 1987