’3-D Sex and Zen’ Is Headed to U.S.
The 3-D erotic film that broke Hong Kong box-office records is headed to America. China Lion Film Distribution announced it bought the North American rights to “3-D Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy” at the Cannes Film Festival, which ended May 22, according to an Associated Press story.
The company, which specializes in distributing Chinese movies (“Aftershock,” “A Beautiful Life”), says a release date has yet to be determined. “We’re looking at as wide as possible a release,” China Lion Chief Executive Milt Barlow told the Hollywood Reporter. Billed by its producers as the world’s first 3-D erotic film, “Sex and Zen” has attracted the masses. Opening-day ticket sales in Hong Kong beat that of “Avatar,” becoming the city’s biggest first-day box-office release to date.
Hundreds flocked from China, where the movie is banned, to Hong Kong to watch the skin flick – even tour groups were organized. The movie has grossed more than US$6.2 million globally since it opened April 14, US$4.9 million coming from Hong Kong. Reviews haven’t been quite as enthusiastic as sales. The film — a remake of a 1991 Hong Kong movie of the same name, which was loosely based on the 17th-century novel “The Carnal Prayer Mat” – follows a Ming Dynasty scholar who has difficulties in the bedroom.
3D Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy – Hong Kong trailer