Illicit Desire (1973)
A Shaw Brothers anthology of erotic and mystical Chinese legends, directed by the masterful Li Han-Hsiang.
Illicit Desire - Movie Information
- Original Title: 風流韻事
- Release Year: 1973
- Directed by: Li Han-Hsiang
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 4, 1973 (Hong Kong)
- Alternative Titles: Feng liu yun shi (CN)
- Production Companies: Shaw Brothers
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
Illicit Desire - Plot
Tang Dynasty emperors, Ming Dynasty scholars, assorted fortunetellers, and several Buddhist monks figure in a trio of erotic and mystical Chinese legends.
Where to Watch Illicit Desire
Looking for where to watch Illicit Desire?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Illicit Desire - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Li Han-Hsiang
Main Cast
- Elliot Ngok Wah
- Fung Chin-Ping
- Fang Mian
- Lu Ti
- Ricky Hui Koon-Ying
- Lam Wai-Tiu
- Lee Pang-Fei
- Peter Yang Kwan
- Danny Lau Dan
- Lily Chen Ching
Writers
- Li Han-Hsiang
Producers
- Runme Shaw
Illicit Desire - FAQs
What is Illicit Desire about?
Illicit Desire is a 1973 Hong Kong anthology film directed by Li Han-Hsiang for Shaw Brothers. It presents three interlinked tales drawn from classical Chinese folklore, featuring Tang Dynasty emperors, Ming Dynasty scholars, fortunetellers, and Buddhist monks entangled in erotic and mystical encounters.
Who directed Illicit Desire?
Illicit Desire was directed by Li Han-Hsiang, one of Hong Kong cinema's most celebrated filmmakers. Known for his mastery of period epics and erotic anthology films at Shaw Brothers, Li also wrote the screenplay, bringing his distinctive blend of classical aesthetics and sensuality to the project.
Is Illicit Desire based on a true story?
Illicit Desire is not based on a single true story. Instead, it adapts three tales rooted in classical Chinese literary and folkloric traditions, drawing on legends associated with the Tang and Ming dynasties. The stories blend historical settings with mythological and erotic elements common in traditional Chinese narrative literature.
Who are the main actors in Illicit Desire?
The film features an ensemble cast including Elliot Ngok Wah, Fung Chin-Ping, Fang Mian, Lu Ti, Ricky Hui Koon-Ying, Lam Wai-Tiu, Lee Pang-Fei, Peter Yang Kwan, Danny Lau Dan, and Lily Chen Ching, all prominent figures in Hong Kong cinema of the era.
When was Illicit Desire released?
Illicit Desire was released on August 4, 1973, in Hong Kong. Produced by the legendary Shaw Brothers studio, the film arrived during a particularly prolific period for director Li Han-Hsiang, who was crafting a series of acclaimed erotic anthology films throughout the early 1970s.
Where can I stream Illicit Desire?
Illicit Desire is available to stream on Film Movement Plus. Availability may vary by region, so checking your local streaming options is recommended for the most current information.
How does Illicit Desire fit into Li Han-Hsiang's filmography?
Illicit Desire is part of Li Han-Hsiang's celebrated run of erotic anthology films at Shaw Brothers in the early 1970s. These productions showcased his talent for blending classical Chinese aesthetics with sensual storytelling, and they remain significant works in the history of Hong Kong period cinema.
What genre is Illicit Desire?
Illicit Desire falls within the Romance and Drama genres. More specifically, it belongs to the erotic anthology tradition of early 1970s Shaw Brothers productions, combining period costume drama with sensual folklore and mystical elements drawn from classical Chinese literary sources.
More About Illicit Desire
Explore further details about Illicit Desire on these authoritative resources.