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Temptation of a Monk

Near the beginning of the Tang dynasty, in 7th century China, General Shi Yan-sheng is tricked into leaving the crown prince unguarded. The crown prince is murdered by one of his brothers who then becomes emperor. Shi retreats to a monastery, perhaps to hide, perhaps to plan a coup. When his loyal troops as well as the princess he desires are slain, he seeks refuge in a remote, abandoned monastery where an aged abbot schools him with practical, earthy teachings. The emperor's forces pursue Shi: first a woman, then a general seek to overpower him with lust and might. Over the course of the film, the reds of battle give way to blues of meditation.

Top Cast

  • Wu Hsing-Guo

    Wu Hsing-Guo

    General Shi Yan-sheng / Jing-yi

  • Joan Chen

    Joan Chen

    Princess Hong-e - Scarlet / Qing-shou - Violet

  • Michael Lee Ming-Yeung

    Michael Lee Ming-Yeung

    Abbot

  • Lisa Lu

    Lisa Lu

    Shi's Mother

  • Zhang Fengyi

    Zhang Fengyi

    General Huo Da

  • Lee Wai-Ming

    Lee Wai-Ming

  • Teddy Robin

    Teddy Robin

    Soldier

Overview

Near the beginning of the Tang dynasty, in 7th century China, General Shi Yan-sheng is tricked into leaving the crown prince unguarded. The crown prince is murdered by one of his brothers who then becomes emperor. Shi retreats to a monastery, perhaps to hide, perhaps to plan a coup. When his loyal troops as well as the princess he desires are slain, he seeks refuge in a remote, abandoned monastery where an aged abbot schools him with practical, earthy teachings. The emperor's forces pursue Shi: first a woman, then a general seek to overpower him with lust and might. Over the course of the film, the reds of battle give way to blues of meditation.

Rating

5.7 / 10
13 Reviews
1 Popular

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