Killings in the Nude is one of the rare hidden gems that are unknown to most in the history of Hong Kong soft core erotica. Made in 1985, it is the first time a Hong Kong erotica featuring three greatest soft core erotica actress of the time: Ai Ti from Hong Kong, well known for her roles in Shaw Brother's studio erotica directed by Lu Chi; Kim Gee Mei from South Korea, known for some Hong Kong soft core classics in the mid 80's, and lastly Yasuko Yagami, one of the greatest Japanese erotica actress.
Killings in the Nude set in the background of Qing Dynasty, about two sisters in a tale of lust and revenge. Song Xixi, the elder daughter of a rich and powerful family, falls in love with the accountant working for her family. Both runs away from the family one night and it ends with a passionate sex. Xixi was sold to a brothel by the accountant the next day, where her beautiful looks got her into the good books of the brothel madame. The madame grooms Xixi into a highly skilled courtesan, which later, she founds the accountant to be the cousin of old general's wife (Ai Ti). The old general was interested with Xixi, which she took the opportunity to get rid of the accountant and the general's wife, who was seeing another man behind him. In return, she will become the old general's second wife. After killing the general's wife and the accountant, she becomes the second wife of the old general and takes in her mother, together with her younger sister, Qiao Qiao (Yasuko Yagami). Xixi employs a teacher for Qiao Qiao, which eventually becomes Qiao Qiao's lover. The old general's right hand man, General Balajia, is interested in Xixi and vows to take her away from the old general when possible. One night, he kills the general and attempt to rape Xixi. Xixi commits suicide and the rest of the family, including the teacher, were made a wanted criminal by Balajia. When the teacher was captured and sentenced to death, Qiao Qiao vows revenge on Balajia and picks up the skill from the brothel madame, on how to kill a man when having sex. Qiao Qiao kills Balajia in the end, which the movie ends with Qian Qian stabbing Balajia totally naked. This is in line with the English title, which summarizes as how one kills their victim through sex.
While Killings in the Nude is considered as a soft core erotica from the 1980's, sex did not take up the main part of the movie. More rather, it is a well combination of lust, erotica, martial arts and love. Lust for love and power can be seen on characters such as Balajia, who wanted to take over the position of the old general. It is done with a combination of martial arts during the fight sequence from the beginning to the end. Love was explored between the two sisters, who want to give each other the best life. Not forgetting on the love between Qian Qiao and the teacher, where she is willing to sacrifice her chastity for a dying man.
For a period drama dealing discussing sex as the main theme, it is difficult to talk about depths of the movie one would expect, and what one would learn from it at the end of the day. However, Killings in the Nude has lived up to the tag line displayed in their poster, which reveals the secret life and trainings of courtesans, such as sexual skills, arts and keeping themselves attractive. There are plenty of nudity during these sequence, but were not exploited to become another usual erotica.
Fans of Shaw Brothers classic erotica featuring Ai Ti as the leading actress will be amazed to see how little her role is. There are not many actions from her, neither do we get to see much scenes featuring Ai Ti. The main focus falls on Kim Gee Mei and Yasuko Yagami, which revolves on the two sisters: both fights for love but for different purposes.
To sum up, Killings in the Nude is one of the old school classics that keep you entertain on a boring night. It is one of the rare classics that we do not get to see easily. Do watch it if you come across.
Killings in the Nude set in the background of Qing Dynasty, about two sisters in a tale of lust and revenge. Song Xixi, the elder daughter of a rich and powerful family, falls in love with the accountant working for her family. Both runs away from the family one night and it ends with a passionate sex. Xixi was sold to a brothel by the accountant the next day, where her beautiful looks got her into the good books of the brothel madame. The madame grooms Xixi into a highly skilled courtesan, which later, she founds the accountant to be the cousin of old general's wife (Ai Ti). The old general was interested with Xixi, which she took the opportunity to get rid of the accountant and the general's wife, who was seeing another man behind him. In return, she will become the old general's second wife. After killing the general's wife and the accountant, she becomes the second wife of the old general and takes in her mother, together with her younger sister, Qiao Qiao (Yasuko Yagami). Xixi employs a teacher for Qiao Qiao, which eventually becomes Qiao Qiao's lover. The old general's right hand man, General Balajia, is interested in Xixi and vows to take her away from the old general when possible. One night, he kills the general and attempt to rape Xixi. Xixi commits suicide and the rest of the family, including the teacher, were made a wanted criminal by Balajia. When the teacher was captured and sentenced to death, Qiao Qiao vows revenge on Balajia and picks up the skill from the brothel madame, on how to kill a man when having sex. Qiao Qiao kills Balajia in the end, which the movie ends with Qian Qian stabbing Balajia totally naked. This is in line with the English title, which summarizes as how one kills their victim through sex.
While Killings in the Nude is considered as a soft core erotica from the 1980's, sex did not take up the main part of the movie. More rather, it is a well combination of lust, erotica, martial arts and love. Lust for love and power can be seen on characters such as Balajia, who wanted to take over the position of the old general. It is done with a combination of martial arts during the fight sequence from the beginning to the end. Love was explored between the two sisters, who want to give each other the best life. Not forgetting on the love between Qian Qiao and the teacher, where she is willing to sacrifice her chastity for a dying man.
For a period drama dealing discussing sex as the main theme, it is difficult to talk about depths of the movie one would expect, and what one would learn from it at the end of the day. However, Killings in the Nude has lived up to the tag line displayed in their poster, which reveals the secret life and trainings of courtesans, such as sexual skills, arts and keeping themselves attractive. There are plenty of nudity during these sequence, but were not exploited to become another usual erotica.
Fans of Shaw Brothers classic erotica featuring Ai Ti as the leading actress will be amazed to see how little her role is. There are not many actions from her, neither do we get to see much scenes featuring Ai Ti. The main focus falls on Kim Gee Mei and Yasuko Yagami, which revolves on the two sisters: both fights for love but for different purposes.
To sum up, Killings in the Nude is one of the old school classics that keep you entertain on a boring night. It is one of the rare classics that we do not get to see easily. Do watch it if you come across.