Too many modern romances allow the couple to win effortlessly. In a true forbidden legend, there must be a sacrifice. Maybe they lose a family heirloom, a best friend, or an eye. The scar of the rebellion makes the love story legendary.
Introduction Released in 2009 and directed by Man Kei Chin, The Forbidden Legend: Sex and Chopsticks II (often styled as Jin Ping Mei Er Zhi Ai Nu Chun Qing) is a direct continuation of the first film released the previous year. Based on the 17th-century Chinese literary classic Jin Ping Mei (The Plum in the Golden Vase), the film is part of the Category III genre—a classification in Hong Kong cinema known for its blend of erotica, violence, and dark drama. While the first film established the protagonist's rise and indulgence, the sequel focuses heavily on the consequences of his hedonism, adhering to the classic moral structure of "rise to glory, followed by a fall into decadence."
The Plot Picking up shortly after the events of the first film, the story follows the wealthy merchant Simon Qing (Lam Wai-Kin), who is now married to the beautiful Violetta (Serina Hayakawa) and maintains a harem of concubines. However, Simon’s insatiable sexual appetite remains his defining—and fatal—flaw. The Forbidden Legend Sex And Chopsticks II 2009 DVDRip
The narrative arc of the sequel shifts from acquisition to destruction. Simon becomes increasingly obsessed with possessing the wife of his friend, Hua Zi-xu. This leads to a conspiracy involving witchcraft, aphrodisiacs, and ultimately, murder. As Simon’s moral compass disintegrates, he relies on a Taoist sorcerer to enhance his sexual prowess, unaware that he is falling into a trap. The film chronicles the collapse of his household through betrayal, supernatural vengeance, and the physical toll of his unchecked lust.
Performances and Characters Lam Wai-Kin returns as Simon Qing, delivering a performance that balances comedic sleaze with genuine tragic naivety. Unlike the suave seducers of other Category III films, Simon is portrayed as somewhat pathetic in his desperation, making his eventual downfall feel earned rather than arbitrary. Too many modern romances allow the couple to
The female cast, a staple of this genre, is led by Japanese AV actress Serina Hayakawa as Violetta. Hayakawa has a significant amount of screen time in this installment, and she manages to convey a transition from a loving wife to a woman driven to vengeance, giving the character more depth than the script necessarily requires. The supporting cast, including Kaera Uehara and Hikaru Wakana, fulfill the genre requirements but are also given moments that highlight the interpersonal jealousy and politics within the harem.
Direction and Cinematography Director Man Kei Chin, a veteran of this specific niche, understands the assignment well. Visually, the film is lush and colorful, with high production values for a direct-to-video (DVDRip era) release. The costumes and set designs effectively evoke a stylized, fictionalized ancient China. The scar of the rebellion makes the love story legendary
However, the film is notorious for its heavy censorship in many available releases (including the widely circulated DVDRips). The "optical fog" or blurring during explicit scenes is quite aggressive, which can be frustrating for viewers seeking the unbridled nature of the genre. Despite this, the non-explicit scenes are shot with a surprising amount of care, utilizing interesting angles and lighting to maintain the erotic tension.
Themes and Adaptation Adapting Jin Ping Mei is a difficult task because the source material is a massive satire of Ming Dynasty society. The film simplifies the complex social commentary into a morality play about karma. The tagline essentially reads: "L
If the lovers break the rule and suffer no consequence, it is not a legend; it is a convenience. The best forbidden romances—Casablanca, Portrait of a Lady on Fire—end with the lovers not together. The legend lives on because of the sacrifice, not despite it.
Let us break down three masterclass examples of the Forbidden Legend across different media.
