The late 1980s to early 1990s marked the golden era of Hong Kong’s Category III films. Despite modest budgets, producers created box office sensations by combining creative storytelling with some of the era’s hottest actresses.
Among these, Liêu Trai Diễm Đàm (1990) was the breakthrough that catapulted Ye Zimei to stardom before she became a legend.
A 30 Billion VND Box Office Hit and Launchpad to A-List Stardom
In 1990, Ye Zimei drew major attention starring as the lead in the 18+ period film Liêu Trai Diễm Đàm. Featuring the “goddess” known for her striking figure and daring scenes, the film earned 10 million HKD, roughly 30 billion VND today.
This massive success paved the way for the 1966-born actress to confidently appear fully nude in the blockbuster Nhục Bồ Đoàn chi Thâu Tình Bảo Giám. With over 18 million HKD (about 54 billion VND) in revenue, Ye Zimei firmly established herself as Hong Kong’s A-list “Queen of Category III films.”
Enchanting Adaptation and Star-Studded Cast
Liêu Trai Diễm Đàm is a mystical retelling of the classic Liao Zhai Zhi Yi. The story follows three sisters who are long-practicing fox spirits: Hu Tuo Tuo (Ye Zimei), second sister Hua Hua, and third sister Fei Fei.
Tragedy unfolds when all three fall for a handsome scholar (played by Dan Lap Man), unaware he is actually a three-headed demon who drains women’s life force to maintain his youthful appearance. Upon discovering the truth, the sisters join forces with Taoist priests to defeat the evil spirit.
According to HK01, while the plot is straightforward, the film captivated audiences with its bold, steamy scenes and intense bedroom moments.
Alongside Ye Zimei, the appearance of Japanese adult film star Hitomi Kudo stirred online buzz. With her innocent look, Hitomi was likened to an early-life doppelganger of Twice’s Tzuyu.
The Legacy of a Daring Film Genre
Notably, this was also the adult film debut of actor Dan Lap Man. Thanks to its box office success, the Liêu Trai Diễm Đàm franchise extended to 10 installments over 20 years. However, except for the second part titled Ngũ Thông Thần featuring award-winning actor Huỳnh Thu Sinh, later sequels had lower budgets and failed to match the original’s appeal.
To this day, the 1990 version starring Ye Zimei remains the boldest film in the Liêu Trai series. The lead actresses’ sexy, modernized costumes continue to be a hot topic among Hong Kong cinema fans whenever the film is discussed.