Sik ching nam lui

I remember having heard about this 1996 comedy drama titled "Sik Ching Nam Lui" (aka "Viva Erotica") probably around the late 1990s or early 2000s. However, I never actually managed to get around to watching it, primarily because I never had a copy of the movie. So as I stumbled upon the movie here in 2022, of course I opted to sit down and watch it.

I didn't know that "Sik Ching Nam Lui" was actually having such a rather impressive cast ensemble, and that was definitely something that helped win me over to watch the movie. I mean, you have the likes of Leslie Cheung, Karen Mok, Shu Qi, Ching Wan Lau and Paul Chun on the cast list, so fans of the Hong Kong cinema are definitely in for a treat here in terms of acting talents in the movie.

It should be noted that fans of Shu Qi might actually get a kick out of watching "Sik Ching Nam Lui".

Well, I have to say that while "Sik Ching Nam Lui" was watchable, it just wasn't a particularly outstanding movie experience. Writers Bosco Lam, Chi-Leung Law and Tung-Shing Yee just didn't really impress me with the storyline for this movie. So I can't claim to feel that I have been missing out on a Hong Kong cinema gem here. "Sik Ching Nam Lui" was watchable for what it was, sure, but it just didn't impress me.

At times, it feels like "Sik Ching Nam Lui" is poking fun at the Hong Kong movie industry. I have to say that "Sik Ching Nam Lui" actually somewhat had a foreboding darkness to it, about how director Derek Yee committed suicide and other things, as they somewhat mirrored what fate would later fall upon Leslie Cheung in his real life.

And while "Sik Ching Nam Lui" didn't really prove all that enjoyable to my liking, then I am sure that it is the kind of self-aware and non-too-taking-itself-overly-serious type of movie that will have a solid audience out there.

My rating of "Sik Ching Nam Lui" from directors Tung-Shing Yee and Chi-Leung Law lands on a four out of ten stars.

Enjoyable and likable movie about the making of a soft core sex movie in Hong Kong. Probably gets it's Cat3 rating for one particular scene in a telephone box but there are plenty of sexy, touching, inspiring and thought provoking moments. The film maker has his own personal problems as well as the 'artistic' considerations to deal with. There is also the question of the (lovely) leading lady who wants to do the sex film without nude scenes. Played by Shu Qi in only her second film, this is a very fine performance and much of the film's sparkle emanates from the way she deals with her own coming to terms with the sex scenes. She complains that if she makes her orgasmic scenes more 'real' then people watching will think they are real. Good point and just one of the contradictions in this deceptively simple little film. Returning to that scene in the telephone box, for instance, where in order to get the scene as wanted and on the street, the guy goes at it for real tearing off dress and bra. She 'acts' terrified and the passers by roar approval and disapproval as the sexy 'rape' is enacted before all our eyes. An interesting movie that is well worth a watch.

"May's initial supportive attitude predictably turns sour, not on account of that Sing is making a depraved picture, but a woman's sensitive insecurity and the frustration spawned from constant neglect. Meantime, possible snags tamely crops up during the film production, you name it, Sing's clash with his friend-cum-producer Chung (Law Kar-Ying), with the uncooperative Mango, with Boss Wong for sure, even when the film is wrapped, a conflagration nearly becomes its undoing. Like everywhere else, a true film director always has to combat between creating masses-pandering consumer goods or true-to-self artwork, and VIVA EROTICA pointedly foregrounds that self-reflexive awareness. At one point, the acclaimed director Derek Yee (played by Lau Ching-Wan) commits suicide after his latest movie goes belly up, whereas a populist director (a cameo played by Anthony Wong, and is alluded to Wong Jing, the prolific, low-brow schlockmeister who has his heyday at that time) is shown as a brazen scumbag."

read my full review on my blog: cinema omnivore, thanks

First, it surprises alot, and I mean Alot. The highest peak of humor falls down revealing bitter torn relationship. It gives you ticket through the wonderland and after the movie you just wish that the ticket was real, but you are grasping air.

Second, where Coen brothers succeeded in Man who wasnt there, Viva erotica is more like neo-purple hk replica, altough not losing its worth for its somekindness. Its fight club meets Blake Edwards, ultimate arc of crossfunctionism.

Even if you liked only one of above reasons, you should most definitely watch this movie. And in the case that you didnt agree either of my opinions, you should give it a try. And if you liked this or have seen this before, I salute you, you have experienced something truly extradimensional mind expanding pure matter. The origin of it all, Humor.

An out-of-work director agrees to make an erotic film against his will so he can pay the bills. But if he is going to do it, it's going to be HIS way.

I bet that's the one-liner directors Derek Yee and Lo Chi-Leung gave executives that got them the green light.

Viva Erotica is maybe the first serious film that gets away with showing female breasts and still being a magnificent work of art - at least that I know of.

The film satirizes the film industry's (Hong Kong's and global) obsession with sex in a very original way: by making a sex film.

Directors Derek Yee and Lo Chi-Leung also wrote the script, with Ka Man being a third writer. Most of the credit goes to them for the innovative premise and great execution, but the cast doesn't fall short either, especially Leslie Cheung as Kwok-Wing, Karen Mok as Man-Wai, and Shu Qi as Mango (particularly Shu Qi as Mango!).

Simply put: one of the best films I have ever watched.