Caption: Tang Wei and Tony Leung's love scenes in "Lust, Caution" push sexuality limits.
Tony Leung Chiu Wai's full nudity in movie, "Lust, Caution" 《色，戒》has become the hottest topic in Hong Kong entertainment lately. The film won the top Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival, generated good word-of-mouth, and gained good box office results in Asia.
However, the public discussion could not stray away from the explicit love scenes between Tony Leung and female lead,
Tang Wei. Director, Ang Lee, once said, "Lust is also a part of art."
So how does the public opinion perceive Tony Leung's nudity in the film? Was it a necessary part of the script? Or was it only demanded by Ang Lee to increase the media's attention? If the Director for "Lust, Caution" were Wong Jing instead, then would the film become pornographic?
The Hong Kong premiere of "Lust, Caution" was a star-studded event, including the attendance of
Chow Yun Fat, Zhang Ziyi and other international stars. Chow Yun Fat gave the film a 99.9 score, while other guest viewers gave it a 100 score. Just watching Tony Leung and Tang Wei's passionate scenes were fulfilling enough!
Director, Ang Lee, noted that he originally thought of casting Zhang Ziyi as the female lead in "Lust, Caution." However, when Tang Wei, auditioned for the role, Ang Lee was attracted by her ordinary looks. He felt Tang Wei was very suitable for the role.
Apparently the whole world focused on Tony Leung's private parts or how intensely passionate his bed scenes were with Tang Wei. Many female movie viewers watched the movie to satisfy their curiosity about Tony's nudity. Perhaps this was also one way to sneak a peak at naked celebrity bodies?
"Lust, Caution" is a period spy thriller that takes place in World War II China. Was the film sexually gratuitous or artistic in nature? Over 50 people were polled and the following results were found:
* 44% of respondents said that Tony Leung's exposure of his private parts was a publicity tactic employed by the film company. They felt Tony's nudity was unnecessary.
* 38% of respondents felt that "Lust, Caution" warranted artistic merit. They felt that Tony's nudity was a suitable artistic sacrifice for the film.
* 28% of respondents did not find Tang Wei to be beautiful. But they found her to possess a unique air about her. Acting counted more than looks and audiences found her more suitable for the role rather than Zhang Ziyi.
*88% of respondents said that Director Wong Jing's movies were cheap and pornographic. However, Ang Lee's movies were artistic and his sex scenes were necessary for the film. Perhaps there is only a fine line between being cheap or artistic!
Ticket sales for "Lust, Caution" in Hong Kong have topped $3.66 million (HKD) since its opening earlier this week. The movie was shown at 60 theater screens and became the top-seller during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday week and broke a historical records as one of the strongest box office openings in September.
Box office sales have been equally strong in Taiwan. Since "Lust, Caution" opened on September 26th, box office sales have surpassed $8.75 million (HKD).
The following few female viewers expressed their intention on whether they will be watching "Lust, Caution:"
Ms. Yue: "A lead actress doesn't have to be beautiful. As long as she can act, that is fine. However I want to watch this film mainly because of Tony Leung. I believe this will be a good film."
Ms. Lee: "Ang Lee is already a well-known brand. On the other hand, Wong Jing is cheap. I am interested in this film because of the whole story. I am not seeing it because of the love scenes."
Mr. Wong: "I am not interested in watching 'Lust, Caution!' There are no CGI scenes, no action scenes. I'll just wait for the DVD!"
Ms. Lui: "This movie has a too serious air about it. I am interested in watching lighter comedies. Although Tony Leung may have a breakthrough performance in this movie, I am not interested in watching it."
Source: Wenweipo, the Sun, Mingpao
Credits:
Jaynestars