In Chinese filmmaking, the Shaw Brothers are among the most iconic film production companies ever. Comparable to a legacy like Hollywood’s MGM or Warner Bros., Shaw Brothers almost single-handedly popularized Kung Fu and Wuxia-style films from the 1960s into the 1970s. A time in which they produced a massive amount of feature films, some of their most iconic films in the ‘60s era included 1966’s Come Drink with Me and 1967’s One-Armed Swordsman, but ushering in a new period come the ‘70s, one would have to look at the very unique Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan from 1972 as a pivotal point.
A film that really pushed the boundaries of martial arts with an erotic theme, Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan was truly something ahead of its time. A film directed by Chor Yuen and written by Chiu Kang-chien (one of Shaw Brothers’ most recognized writers), it features a script that cuts through stereotypes and delves into a very dark underworld of institutional prostitution. Making it even more striking, it is one of the earliest Chinese cinema works with a strongly empowering theme, in which, while the women are portrayed as horrific victims, two central female characters emerge as intensely dangerous and dominant.
Diving deeper down this rabbit hole, Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan interjects themes of females being the aggressor and, at the time, the highly taboo element of lesbianism. In this tale, you have Chung Yi (played by Betty Pei Ti) as a ruthless madam of a brothel, who revels in the challenge of breaking the spirit of a kidnapped young teacher named Ai Nu (played by Lily Ho). Ai Nu, not submissive like the other women forced into sexual enslavement, resists everything thrown at her, no matter how painful, until tragically a caring servant named Yan (played by Tsang Choh-lam) is slain while trying to help her escape. A turning point for Ai Nu, she lets down her guard and gives in to Chung Yi’s every demand… or does she?
A very striking story of inhuman treatment, like many Wuxia films, it centers around revenge. However, the difference here is that Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan ushered in a new era for the genre previously dominated by male protagonists/antagonists. Leaving little doubt, this film has a clear focus on completely rattling the traditional cinematic portrayal of women in Asia.
Bold and long overdue, it is clear that Shaw Brothers opted to produce the film to diversify their brand for a new period. As a matter of fact, Lily Ho took on another lead in The 14 Amazons, released just a few months after Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan. Blending genres exceptionally well, Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan was a massive success in Hong Kong after debuting in theaters on July 9, 1972, becoming one of the biggest films in the region at the time.
Interestingly enough, remade 12 years later by the original Director, Chor Yuen, under the title Lust for Love of a Chinese Courtesan, the two films are very much separate works. More a reimaging than a remake in 1984, the updated Lust for Love of a Chinese Courtesan tones down the martial arts and revenge elements, turning it into a more Erotic Drama. Featuring more explicit sex scenes and more depth of the male figures in the story, some would argue that the original is far more elegant and effective as a film. Nonetheless, both films have their place in Hong Kong cinema history, with Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan’s cynical and powerfully feminine nature sticking with you.
Films that a broader audience should check out, in 2025, Australia’s Imprint Films released them together as a 2-disc Blu-ray set via Vision Entertainment. A limited-edition release (with only 1,500 copies pressed), it is part of the Imprint Asia line and arrived on November 26, 2025, and sincerely does both films justice.
Presented in a solid hardbox, both films are given individual Blu-ray cases with their respective artwork. All down with an attention to quality, each film is restored in 1080p high definition. Unique to the 4K restoration released by Arrow Video in 2024 in the box set Shawscope: Volume 3, you could argue that the Imprint Asia Blu-ray transfers remain true to the more surreal aspects of the original films.
Imprint Asia’s limited-edition Blu-ray set also offers optional English dubbing for both films and features new interviews and an exclusive featurette titled Intimate Confessions of 3 Shaw Girls. Giving both films in the most complete, uncensored formats available, this set is really a delightful addition to any cinema fan’s collection.
Pefect for fans of Wuxia/Martial Artists films, but also those who enjoy female revenge stories such as 1978’s I Spit on Your Grave and 1981’s Ms. 45, be sure to look into picking up this set for Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan (1972) / Lust For Love of a Chinese Courtesan (1984) today, because Cryptic Rock gives the Blu-ray set 5 out of 5 stars.
 / Lust For Love of a Chinese Courtesan (1984) (Limited Edition Blu-ray Boxset Review)){kind=link}
No comment